Submitted by North Colonie Board of Education

The North Colonie Board of Education has appointed D. Joseph Corr as the new superintendent of the district effective August 1, 2010.

The Board of Education of the North Colonie Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of D. Joseph Corr, current Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, to the position of Superintendent of Schools, effective August 1, 2010. He will succeed Mrs. Randy Ehrenberg who has announced her retirement effective July 31, 2010 after leading the District for nine years.

Mrs. Ehrenberg’s tenure as superintendent set the standard for the Board as we discussed the knowledge, skills and experience we would be looking for in the search for her successor. Since North Colonie is one of the highest performing districts in the state, we believed it imperative that the person chosen to lead the District have extensive curriculum, assessment and instructional experience to maintain the successful academic achievements of the District. It was equally important that this individual have a vision for excellence and innovation as we continue the work of preparing all of our students for success in our 21st century society. Excellent communication skills, a strong understanding of fiscal management and labor relations, support for instructional technology and experience in supervisory and central office administrative positions were also characteristics the Board considered vital to the continued success of North Colonie Schools.

Mr. Corr has been a distinguished educator for thirty-seven years. He has taught at the elementary, junior and senior high school levels prior to serving in the administrative positions of Social Studies supervisor at Shaker High School and his current position as Assistant Superintendent. He has been the recipient of the Neiderberger Award for outstanding teaching service and dedication to social studies education in the Capital Region and, also, the New York State Council for the Social Studies Outstanding Supervisor Award. As a teacher and supervisor, Mr. Corr was a consultant to the New York State Education Department in the areas of curriculum and assessment and he has maintained a close working relationship with the New York State Education Department’s Office of State Assessment. He has taught social studies methodology to graduate students at the State University of New York at Albany and has served as a mentor to many students in the University’s social studies education graduate program. He also served as President of the Capital District Council for the Social Studies and the New York State Council for the Social Studies.

His work in the role of assistant superintendent reflects the depth and breadth of his commitment to student achievement and the professional development of our instructional staff. He has worked collaboratively with our elementary principals on curriculum initiatives and staff development in the areas of reading, writing, the expansion of literacy and the differentiation of instruction of mathematics. Mr. Corr’s support for students with disabilities and students at risk has been unwavering. Recognizing the importance of inclusive policies as well as encouraging respect for diversity in our schools, he has worked with the North Colonie Globalization Task Force and the high school staff on community presentations commemorating the District’s 50th anniversary celebration of the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. Mr. Corr has also played an instrumental role in helping to support and sustain our outstanding mentor program for new teachers. In addition, he has helped mentor many of North Colonie’s teachers and administrators himself.

Mr. Corr has all of these skills as well as the experience, intellect, compassion and vision to successfully address the instructional and fiscal challenges that come with these uncertain times. He has consistently demonstrated a collaborative and positive spirit in his interactions with individuals, groups within the school community and the community-at-large. These will be vital components of effective District leadership as we discuss the curricular and assessment implications of the education reform agenda recently proposed by the Education Commissioner and the Board of Regents.

Most importantly, Mr. Corr is a proven educational leader who will provide the District with a seamless transition at a time when fewer people than ever are entering the superintendency. In addition, he will bring a thoughtful and innovative leadership that reflects his strong understanding and appreciation of North Colonie’s history and traditions. His tireless and selfless work on behalf of our students and staff (both instructional and non-instructional) and his steadfast dedication to the North Colonie mission make him the ideal educational leader to be the next Superintendent of the North Colonie Central School District.

The Board of Education is inviting staff and community members to a public forum to meet with Mr. Corr on either Thursday, February 11th at 7:00pm or Tuesday, February 23rd at 7:00 pm in the Shaker High School Media Center.