Byrne Picked for Chappaqua's Assist. Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

Principal Eric Byrne has been selected to become the Chappaqua school district's new assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

The selection was announceed in an email sent out Friday by Superintendent-designate Lyn McKay, who currently occupies the position and will start her new job on July 1.

Byrne was one of two finalists in the search, McKay wrote, and sent through a process that included meeting school board members, teachers and parents.

"What set Eric apart from the other candidates was his strong understanding of teaching and learning and his clear vision of the instructional practices that will ensure critical and creative thinking in our classrooms," McKay wrote. "Eric has a hands-on approach to change."

In an interview, Byrne sad that he found out about his selection this week. He said that he is looking forward to continuing "the great work in Chappaqua and working with colleagues across all levels of the system."

Byrne, who has been Roaring Brook principal since 2007, was previously principal at Pound Ridge Elementary School, in the Bedford Central School District. Before that, he was the principal of Public School 183 in New York City. He is also a Pound Ridge resident.

The appointment is expected to be approved by the school board at its June 7 meeting, and the position would be effective July 1.

As for Byrne's current position, McKay wrote in her announcement that an interim principal will be in place for the 2011-12 school year, with the search for a permanent principal being done early next spring.

McKay picked Byrne after conducting a search that began after her selection as superintendent was .