Jan. 17, 2025
The New Hartford Board of Education has begun interviewing candidates for the district’s next Superintendent of Schools. The board, alongside superintendent search consultant and District Superintendent of Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES Patricia N. Kilburn, Ed.D., screened applicants in December 2024 and selected candidates to participate in the first round of interviews.
To help guide the board through the interview and candidate selection process, the board is using feedback from two surveys conducted in September 2024, and the focus groups held in December 2024 to ensure the selected candidate best aligns with the priorities of the district’s employees, students, families and community members.
At the Dec. 17, 2024 board meeting, Dr. Kilburn presented the findings from the surveys and focus groups. According to the community’s feedback, a successful candidate should:
- Prioritize collaborative leadership – Seek candidates with a proven track record of transparent, inclusive decision-making.
- Focus on educational excellence – Look for a strong educational background and commitment to curriculum improvement.
- Value community engagement – Prioritize candidates who demonstrate a willingness to be visible and involved in school life.
- Emphasize student well-being – Ensure the chosen candidate has a clear plan for addressing mental health and inclusivity concerns.
The board hopes to appoint a new superintendent prior to Dr. Cosimo Tangorra Jr.’s retirement, whose last day with the district will be March 4, 2025.