Aug. 7, 2024
John Banek, the New Hartford Central School District’s Director of Athletics, Health and Safe Schools will retire in September after 10 years with the district.
As director, Mr. Banek has served as chairperson of the District-Wide School Health and Safety Committee, helped implement numerous safety enhancements at each school building and oversaw the district’s athletic program.
During his tenure, Spartan teams have earned more than 60 league championship titles, approximately 40 Section III championship titles, 6 regional championship titles – including 6 final four appearances and 1 state championship title – and maintained a scholar-athlete standard as a school of excellence.
Mr. Banek also serves as the Tri-Valley League President, Section III Transfer Chairman, Tri-Valley League representative to Section III for Athletic Council, a member of the Section III Classification Committee and Football Committee, as well as the New Hartford Administration Association Co-president.
Upon his retirement from New Hartford, Mr. Banek will continue his work in education and serve as the principal of the Tilton School at The House of the Good Shepherd in Utica.
“Retiring was not an easy decision. After much reflection, I decided this next step is the best for me and my family and will allow me to spend more quality time with loved ones,” said Mr. Banek. “It has been an honor to serve New Hartford and I will always be a Spartan.”
Mr. Banek’s last day with the district will be Sept. 6.
“John has been an asset to the New Hartford school community and has worked tirelessly to develop an athletic program that is regarded as one of the best in the region,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cosimo Tangorra Jr. “I look forward to this new opportunity to advance Spartan athletics while maintaining our tradition of perseverance, excellence and sportsmanship.”
The New Hartford Board of Education plans to discuss the search process for the next athletics director at its Aug. 20 meeting.