July 6, 2026

Dear Croton-Harmon Community,

Over the past few weeks, we have been engaging in a search process for our District’s new Director of Health, Wellness, Physical Education, and Athletics.  The position was advertised for several weeks using the Statewide online job posting service for educators, as well as through social media.  During that process, it became clear that our District’s needs at this time would be best met by an experienced, interim candidate.  That approach will allow for a thorough review of our protocols and practices related to athletics and an analysis of how our current approaches align with best practices in our region.  

I am very pleased to share that I will be recommending Ms. Bari Suman to the Board of Education for appointment as the Interim Director of Health, Wellness, Physical Education and Athletics for the 2026-27 school year, at the Board’s meeting on July 16. 

Ms. Suman brings more than three decades of experience in education, including over twenty years leading comprehensive athletic, health, and physical education programs in the Mamaroneck School District, where she served as the Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics since 2004. In her work at Mamaroneck, she supervised and mentored a staff of over 100 coaches and 33 faculty members, oversaw budgets and athletics facilities, and worked collaboratively with students, families, staff, and community partners to build athletic programs centered on character, teamwork, sportsmanship, and student success.  Prior to her work in Mamaroneck, Ms. Suman served as an Assistant Principal and Athletic Coordinator in the Syracuse City School District, following eight years as a health and physical education teacher. 

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for students, developing coaches and leaders, maintaining safe and equitable athletic programs, and ensuring that athletics remain an extension of each district’s educational vision.  Ms. Suman is widely respected throughout New York State for her leadership in interscholastic athletics. She currently serves in multiple leadership roles within Section One and the New York State Athletic Administrators Association and was recently recognized as the 2025-26 Section One Athletic Administrator of the Year.

Pending Board approval, Ms. Suman will begin leading our Athletics Department later this month to ensure a strong start to the upcoming school year. 

Sincerely,

Steve Walker