Dear Members of the North Colonie Community:
After 41 years as a teacher and administrator in this District, I am announcing my intention to retire from the position of Superintendent of the North Colonie Central School District effective January 31, 2023.
In the late spring of 1981, I received a phone call from my father informing me of the posting of a summer school teaching position at Shaker High School. He suggested that I apply, and I did. Later that summer, this opportunity translated into a position teaching social studies and English at Shaker Junior High School and subsequently to teaching social studies at the high school, serving as Shaker High School social studies department supervisor, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and for the last 12 years Superintendent.
For these past 41 years, it has been an honor and a privilege to work to serve the community of North Colonie. I have been blessed and inspired by colleagues, students, families, and friends, and am filled with gratitude for all the learning, support, and inspiration I have received. I have served this wonderful community in concert with the most outstanding colleagues. For that, I offer boundless and never ending thanks.
Serving the past 12 years as your Superintendent has been the high point of my career. As only the fifth Superintendent in the 72 year history of North Colonie, every day I am humbled by the opportunities and responsibilities of this position, but I always take comfort knowing that together we are unyielding and unrelenting in our commitment to realizing the district mission. Our focus has always been to provide outstanding support and resources to our students to ensure their comprehensive education, socially, emotionally, and academically and to our faculty and staff to support their important work in delivering the service of education. This commitment to educating the children of our community is fundamental to a free and democratic nation, and I have been graced by the opportunity to work with you in this noblest of callings.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge those who have been with me through the duration of my time in North Colonie. To my wife Cherie, my children Chelsea, Dan, and Kendra, their spouses, and grandson Nolan, I know this job has consumed my time physically and emotionally, and your support and understanding has been unconditional. Without you, I could not have accomplished this work.
Board President Linda Harrison and Deputy Superintendent Kathleen Skeals have been with me through the duration of my North Colonie tenure as teacher, administrator, and Superintendent. I have learned so much from you, and you have been an inspiration through your unwavering commitment to the power of teaching and learning public education. Most importantly, your friendship is the rock and foundation that has sustained me through this journey. Thank you.
D. Joseph Corr, SUPERINTENDENT (518) 785-8591
Fax (518) 785-5504
I realize that there is much to be accomplished over the next seven months. I look forward to our continued work and eagerly anticipate working with my wonderful colleagues as we commence the 2022-2023 school year, the 73rd year of the existence of the North Colonie Central School District.
Thank you North Colonie for this lifetime gift of the opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
D. Joseph Corr
Superintendent
North Colonie Central School District