Feb. 5, 2025
The New Hartford Central School District Board of Education announced the appointment of Joseph D’Apice as the District’s new Superintendent of Schools and the temporary appointment of Joseph Barretta as the District’s acting superintendent during a February 5, 2025 special meeting. Barretta, who is the District’s Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs, will serve as the acting superintendent of schools from March 5 through April 27, 2025, following the retirement of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cosimo Tangorra Jr. D’Apice will tentatively begin duties as Superintendent for the New Hartford Central School District on April 28, 2025.
D’Apice has more than two decades of experience in education and currently serves as the Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Markham Central School District, a position he has held since 2020. He was previously the principal of Richfield Springs Junior-Senior High School for seven years and began his career as a biology teacher in the Utica City School District. Throughout his career, D’Apice has been known for his collaborative leadership, visibility in the community and commitment to building strong relationships to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
“I am profoundly grateful and deeply honored to serve as superintendent of the New Hartford Central School District, the same institution that nurtured my own educational journey,” said D’Apice. “As superintendent, I will proactively seek input from the community and collaborate with various stakeholders to emphasize a constructive, efficient and inclusive educational atmosphere for every student. I am relentlessly committed to protecting and enhancing the social, emotional, physical and academic well-being of all students. New Hartford is not just my home; it embodies my roots, my family and the community where my heart belongs. I am thrilled to work with the dedicated and talented educators of New Hartford and look forward to starting in April.”
“Joe’s demonstrated track record of collaborative decision-making and inclusive leadership make him the ideal person to lead New Hartford into the future,” said Beth Coombs, president of the New Hartford Central School District Board of Education. “The Board listened to the school community throughout the search process and we have found a leader that reflects that feedback. We are thrilled to welcome Joe to New Hartford and cannot wait for him to get started.”
D’Apice pursued his Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Educational Leadership at SUNY Cortland, obtaining New York State certifications as both a School Building Leader (SBL) and a School District Leader (SDL). He also holds a master’s degree in Literacy Education (grades 5-12) and a bachelor’s degree in Adolescent Education – Biology (grades 7-12), both from SUNY Cortland.
The New Hartford Central School District Board of Education plans to host a Meet and Greet event with D’Apice at a later date and time so that the community may get to know him in an informal setting. Information regarding the date, time and location of this event will be forthcoming.