March 15, 2024
After a 34-year career in the education field, including 15 years in her current role at the New Hartford Central School District, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs Mary Mandel will retire in August.
Mrs. Mandel began her career as Supervisor of the Central Business Office at OHM BOCES. During that time, she also served as an adult education instructor, teaching accounting through BOCES. In 1996, she was hired as a business administrator in the Oriskany Central School District, a position she held for eight years. She served as Assistant Superintendent of Business within the Holland Patent School District for four years before moving on to the New Hartford Central School District Assistant Superintendent position.
“Mary has been an integral part of New Hartford. Her camaraderie and expert guidance will be deeply missed,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cosimo Tangorra Jr. “She has worked tirelessly to ensure the provision of high-quality programming and maintained facilities while upholding fiscal responsibility for the district’s taxpayers. Her financial stewardship has laid the foundation for the continued success of the district and its staff and students.”
Mrs. Mandel supervises the district’s business office, which is responsible for financial reporting, accounting, auditing, payroll, purchasing, records management, capital project tracking, contract negotiations and the coordination of employee benefits.
The assistant superintendent for business affairs also supervises the district’s food services and transportation, buildings and grounds department, as well as develops an annual school budget for the consideration of the district’s board of education and voters.
Mrs. Mandel’s last day with the district will be Aug. 22.
Next assistant superintendent
At the March 19 New Hartford Board of Education meeting, Dr. Tangorra will recommend the board appoint Joseph Barretta as the next Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs.
Mr. Barretta currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Business for the Clinton Central School District, a position he has held since 2012. Prior to his current role, Mr. Barretta was a shared business administrator for Herkimer BOCES for two years.
Mr. Barretta earned a Masters of Business Administration from SUNY Institute of Technology in Utica in 2006. He also holds Certificates of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership; School District Business Leader, and School District Leader, from Le Moyne College and The College of Saint Rose respectively.
“We are excited to have Joe join the New Hartford community,” said Dr. Tangorra. “With his extensive experience, he will be a valuable addition to our district.”
Pending board approval, Mr. Barretta would begin in his new role Aug. 5. Mr. Barretta and Mrs. Mandel will work together for approximately three weeks before Mrs. Mandel retires to ensure a seamless transition.