AMITYVILLE, NY — The Amityville Union Free School District has appointed Rakeem Callands as its new assistant superintendent for finance and operations, the district said.
Callands most recently served as assistant superintendent for business and operations for the Greenburgh School District in Westchester County, where he has overseen business operations since 2022.
"Mr. Callands brings the experience, financial expertise, and forward-thinking leadership that will be invaluable as we continue moving the Amityville School District forward," Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gina Talbert said. "Every financial decision we make must ultimately connect back to our students and our responsibility to provide them with the programs, opportunities, facilities, and support they need to succeed. Mr. Callands understands that connection. His experience in strategic financial planning and school district operations will strengthen our leadership team as we continue making thoughtful, responsible investments in the future of Amityville."
Before joining Greenburgh, Callands held several financial leadership positions with the City School District of New Rochelle. He served as school business administrator from 2021 to 2022 and senior finance manager from 2016 to 2021.
According to the district, Callands has experience with multiyear financial planning, budget development, financial software integration, capital project budgeting and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
Callands earned a Master of Education in Educational Administration and a Master of Public Administration from Pace University, as well as a Certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University.
He earned his bachelor's degree in communication from the University at Albany and holds a New York State School District Business Leader advanced certificate.
Callands is a member of the New York State Association of School Business Officials and the Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators. He has also served on the New Rochelle Youth Bureau Board of Commissioners.
"I am excited to join the Amityville School District and become part of a community committed to providing strong opportunities for its students," Callands said. "I look forward to collaborating with the board of education, district leadership, staff and community to support responsible financial planning and efficient operations that help advance the district's educational priorities."
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