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A transition in leadership can be a trying
time for an organization. Inevitably, there are questions about how the
philosophy or priorities may change, and how any changes would affect
operations, priorities and goals.
Let me assure you that as the City School
District of Albany’s interim superintendent, I will focus on two main
objectives that will seem very familiar to you: making sure that we keep
our students first, and relying on the experiences of the strong
leadership team already in place as we work together with the community
to continue the district’s progress.
This is a wonderful opportunity for me, and
actually a return to Albany’s public schools. I enjoyed the time I spent
as interim principal of the former School 18 (now Delaware Community
School) in 2002, and I am looking forward to returning to Albany and to
serving the students, parents, teachers, staff, community and Board of
Education.
I believe my leadership experience with
other districts in our area, including Schenectady, Troy, Ballston Spa
and, most recently, Voorheesville, will allow me to understand the needs
of the district and community in Albany. It will be a pleasure to assist
the board in maintaining our momentum while we partner with the
community on a national search to find a permanent replacement for
Superintendent Eva Joseph, Ed.D.
Having served in Albany in the past, I have
great respect for all those who serve our children every day. I
recognize the commitment that the community has to education.
The evidence of this is clear all across the
district, beginning with the many programs and outstanding facilities
project that the community has supported this decade.
I am looking forward to having a chance to
be part of this effort as we celebrate the completion of the renovation
work at Giffen Memorial Elementary School at the start of the school
year. I also will do my part to make sure the work at Arbor Hill
Elementary School and Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology
(TOAST) stays on track in 2009-10.
Albany’s significant academic progress in
recent years is a source of pride for the district and community as
well. I will do all I can to support the outstanding people and programs
already at work in Albany so that the gains achieved during Dr. Joseph’s
tenure will continue into the future.
I have seen and been part of many changes in
education during my more than four decades as an educator. What has
remained constant is our mission – to provide the best resources and
support available to help our students succeed in school and in life.
It is my great pleasure to have an
opportunity to serve the City School District of Albany. I look forward
to meeting and working with you so that together we can continue
building a bright future for the city’s children.
My door is always open.
Raymond Colucciello, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent
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