Rondout next superintendent of schools

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In a unanimous vote held Tuesday, March 6, the Rondout Valley Board of Education appointed Dr. Joseph G. Morgan as its next superintendent of schools. Morgan will replace Rosario Agostaro, who is retiring on June 30, 2018, after nine years as leader of the school district.

According to the school board president, Breanna Casey, the district conducted a nationwide search using the expertise of a professional consultant, Robert Christmann. Morgan was one of seven finalists interviewed for the position.

During the interview process, the board evaluated candidates against a list of qualities and characteristics that were identified by participants of several focus group discussions, held with both internal and external stakeholders.

“We had a solid number of candidates from several states apply for the position,” said Casey, adding that Morgan’s vast educational experience, collaborative leadership style, and background working with an agricultural program helped him stand out. “He had impressive qualifications and a great attitude,” she added.

Morgan began his instructional career in 1994, as a teacher of advanced placement economics at Schroeder High School in Webster. He later became the school’s assistant principal. In 2003, he was offered the principal position at Willink Middle School, also in Webster. He later became the director of instructional technology and data management for the 9,000-student district.

In 2010, after 16 years of service at the Webster Central School District, Morgan moved on to become superintendent of schools for the Spencer-Van Etten Central School District in Spencer. Now, after serving nearly eight years at the helm of the rural, western New York district, Morgan is excited to be relocating to the Rondout Valley community.

“I believe in service leadership and collaboration, and I got a really good feeling from the Board of Education throughout the application process,” said Morgan. “I could sense their pride in the students and schools, and their desire to move the district forward, which is very exciting.”

Morgan was also impressed with the number of academic programs and opportunities available to students in addition to the quality of the music, athletic and agricultural science programs.

“I am really looking forward to working with everyone – the Board of Education, staff, students, families, and the community – to continue to offer these excellent programs, as well as to help lead our schools into the future,” said Morgan.

“Initially, I plan to learn as much as I can about the district and about what makes Rondout Valley a special place. My first goal is to listen and learn from all of the stakeholders in the community,” he said.

Morgan holds a doctorate in educational leadership, a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum from the University of Rochester and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Le Moyne College.