To the West Genesee Community:After meeting so many of you during visits to every school in the District, as well as the bus garage, I can certainly reiterate what a privilege and honor it is to be your acting superintendent. I am very impressed with your knowledge, graciousness, and obvious dedication to serving students. I am also very grateful for the professionalism you have displayed during this difficult time for the District. Rest assured, I will work very hard in the coming weeks to assist you and the Board of Education in any way I can. I am dedicated to making this transition in leadership go as smoothly as possible for you, our students, and the entire West Genesee community.
I would also like to share why I am taking this role, and why I am doing this at no charge to the District. The reason is actually quite simple: It is my job. As a “District Superintendent” — one of 37 district superintendents in the state — I am required to represent our 23 component districts for the New York State Education Department and assist them in times of need. I receive a salary as the head of OCM BOCES, but I am also expected to serve component districts on numerous matters of importance. This past year, those issues included school safety, new mental health initiatives, and new learning standards for students.I am fortunate that a solid and dedicated team at OCM BOCES (and my lovely wife, a North Syracuse teacher, along with my two daughters) will allow me to assist you at West Genesee. I would like to thank my staff, each of you, and especially three West Genesee administrators who have really done the bulk of the day-to-day work and will continue to do so until a full-time interim superintendent can be found. Those three administrators are Brian Kesel, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction; Paul Pelton, Assistant Superintendent for Management Services/Food Service; and David Cirillo, Director of Staff Relations/District 504 Coordinator.
In addition to these administrators, I want to thank all of you for the warm welcome I received during these first few days on the job and your dedication to the success of our students. During my short time here, I will do my best to keep you informed about new developments, including the process for selecting a long-term interim superintendent and, eventually, a new school superintendent.
I hope all of you have an excellent week.
Sincerely,
Jody Manning
Acting Superintendent of Schools
