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In an interview, Monahan discussed major items for the 2014-15 school year. He said that the first focus is going to be on school safety. He also praised how it is handled so far in the district, noting the presence of school resource officers and the system for entering buildings. Monahan also mentioned academic success and noted concern from educators and parents about over testing. Addressing the state testing topic, Monahan described the district's curriculum as “ rich” and added that people are not teaching to the test.
The interim superintendent also expressed interest in Mahopac's extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs and performing arts. Discussing his planned support, he noted his upcoming work on the budget, as well as being in the stands and cheering on teams.
Monahan's arrival to Mahopac comes following negative publicity. This includes extensive local and regional news coverage of a charged racial incident relating to a high school basketball game with Mount Vernon and the subsequent exit of basketball coach Kevin Downes, as well as the resignation of school board President Raymond Cote due to remarks about a woman that were caught on a video recording.
Addressing the publicity and going forward, Monahan, referred to the area as a “community with good schools and dedicated staff and committed parents,” and called for a focus on that. Monahan also wants to focus on the good job done in educating students, their academic success and the colleges they go to.
Monahan's superintendent's service in Mahopac will be his fourth. He originally served as a permanent superintendent in North Rockland, which was part of a career there that lasted for more than a decade. Although Monahan retired in 2009, he noted that he is not good at retirement. After leaving North Rockland, he was part of the faculty of Pace University, with work including preparing future teachers and principals.
Monahan's second superintendent role, which was on an interim basis, came in the Hendrick Hudson school district in Westchester, which he said was for a year. For a few months during the previous school year, Monahan served as interim superintendent in western Putnam's Garrison school district.
Monahan's academic career is also connected to his marriage. He recalled meeting his future wife on his first day as a Yonkers High School teacher, where he was a substitute. They met because he was a on lunch duty.
Monahan also has extensive ties to the Village of Dobbs Ferry, where he lives and which his family has had a connection to since around 1870.
“I haven't moved far from where I was born,” he said.
In Dobbs Ferry, Monahan served as a village trustee, school board member and then mayor.
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