My final blog post … as superintendent of Watervliet City Schools

I write this final blog post with a sense of pride and a touch of sadness. It is sad to say good-bye to a community that has been a part of my life for the past six years. However, I know that I am leaving the district in the very capable hands of Dr. Lori S. Caplan, who has been a colleague and a friend since we worked together at Hudson High School many years ago. She will continue the work we started several years ago to move the district forward in a positive and productive way, and to inspire, educate and challenge every student, every day.

I want to thank the community for its continued support, most recently with the approval of the $18.9 million facilities project on Dec. 20. This latest project represents the capstone in a series of building improvements initiated in 2007, and allows us to address those remaining facilities needs that we were unable to include before now because of cost constraints.

It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with such dedicated faculty and staff who care deeply about students and are focused on helping all students succeed and be prepared for higher education or today’s competitive workplace as they leave Watervliet High School. Recently, we had three of our faculty members become the first in the district’s history to achieve National Board Certification. Having earned this highest credential in their profession, Watervliet educators Todd Birmingham, Megan Cahill and Michaeleen Backus have achieved “master teacher” status. I congratulate them and encourage more of the district’s teachers to follow this path.

I am extremely proud of all we have accomplished here together during the past six years. And as I prepare to move on to my next chapter, I wish the Watervliet schools, students and community continued success.

Thank you.