The 2009 Cohort of the New York State Superintendent Development Program began on Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24 at Central Square School District.  After a welcome by Oswego BOCES Superintendent, Joseph Camerino, an inspirational message on the "Rewards of the Superintendency" by 2008-2009 New York State Superinendent of the Year, Mary Alice Price of Pittsford Central School District followed.

The students (associates) of the program then completed the orientation session over these two days under the guidance of program faculty members Mr. Robert Christman, Grand Island Schools superintendent, Mr. Ron DeCarli, Frontier Central Schools superintendent, Ms. Mary Beth Fiore, superintendent of schools in the Elmira Heights School District, Mr. Jeff Crane, superintendent in the West Irondequoit Central School District,  Ms. Carolyn Costello, superintendent of the Central Square School District, Ms. Toni Kulak, retired superintendent of schools in Westmoreland, and Mr. John McGuire, Guilderland Central School District superintendent.

Each of these superintendents is an extraordinary example of the culture of "giving back" that is so much a part of the program. Besides attending the three two-day state wide special sessions throughout the year often on Saturdays, and the special topic sessions that are held regionally, each of these superintendent faculty members meets with her/his team of  associates each week for approximately two hours. Considering how demanding the superintendency is on its own, that these individuals give so freely of their time to the next generation of superintendents is a remarkable contribution to the institution of public schooling in our state.  By program end each year, it is fair to say that the Associates in the program come to truly appreciate the gifts of time, wisdom, insight, and support that are provided to them by their faculty superintendents.

Each team has submitted its first Issue Proposal and has started their analysis, much like EAD 601, but at the superintendent level.  Teams of associates will present their issue analysis at the mid-year session in July.

Interviews of regional superintendents, continued reflection on platform statements, planning special topic session panels in the areas of labor relations, school budgeting/finance, and the superintendent and law, as well as learning how to scan and apply for the superintendency all are important parts of the New York State Superintendent Development Program year.  All indicators point to a productive and successful year for the student associates-we wish them well.

SDP College Credit

The program cost for the NYS Superintendent Development Program includes tuition for nine (9) graduate credits from SUNY Oswego.  For more information please contact Dr. Glenn Wachter at glenn.wachter@oswego.edu

Visit the New York State Superintendent Development Program website at:
http://www.nyssuperintendentdevelopmentprogram.com/