Board of Education launches superintendent search

ALBANY, N.Y. (December 13, 2011) -- The City School District of Albany Board of Education officially has launched its search for a new superintendent to replace Raymond Colucciello, Ed.D., President Daniel Egan announced Dec. 13.

All Albany parents, residents, staff and students will be invited to participate in the process, Egan said. Dr. Colucciello’s contract expires July 11, 2012.

“The board believes Dr. Colucciello has been an exceptional leader for our 8,700 students and their families over the last three school years. However, the time has come for us to identify the next leader to continue the important work we have before us,” Egan said. “We look forward to a conversation with our community in the weeks and months ahead about the qualities and characteristics we are looking for in our next superintendent.”

Dr. Colucciello came to the district on an interim basis in July 2009 following the retirement of Superintendent Eva C. Joseph, Ed.D. The board conducted an initial search during the 2009-10 school year and identified Dr. Colucciello as the best candidate to lead the district at that time. Dr. Colucciello has continued for two additional school years.

Under his direction the district has continued to focus on its 2008 strategic plan, “A Vision for Tomorrow,” implementing a number of new initiatives aimed at raising achievement for all students. Those accomplishments have included the redesign of Albany High School into four smaller learning communities, the establishment and ongoing work of the Alternative Education Think Tank, the consolidation and closure of three buildings to save taxpayers money, the settlement of historic contracts with the unions representing teachers and staff members, and the passage of three budgets amid the nation’s worst economic crisis in 80 years, including a budget that resulted in a decrease in school taxes for 2011-12.

Capital Region BOCES is working with the board to assist in the search for Dr. Colucciello’s successor. BOCES Superintendent Charles S. Dedrick, Ed.D., has assembled a team led by consultant Kevin S. Baughman, Ph.D., a retired area superintendent. The team will work with the board on conducting an inclusive search process that will begin immediately.

The first step will be to collect input from the community on the kind of superintendent who would best meet the district’s needs and on the issues most pressing to the district. This will be done through online and paper surveys as well as a series of community forums during January. Dates for these sessions and the timing of the survey will be announced shortly.

Feedback collected from the forums and surveys will inform a variety of outreach activities, including a search brochure and national advertising expected to begin in February.

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and nurture all students to be responsible citizens, critical thinkers and lifelong learners to successfully compete in the global community by providing an academically rigorous and safe environment in partnership with parents, students and the community. The district serves about 8,700 students in 15 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.