On The Sly

A few years into my career Dr. Lancione left, replaced by Robert Utter. His hiring, whether by coincidence or not, may have led me to a side of the teaching business that I didn't expect. Early in my teaching career I learned about contract disputes, picket lines and teacher strikes. I recall walking the informational picket lines carrying a sign that read "We Want An-Utter Contract." Rod Sherman, teachers' union president then and forever, amen, does credit Utter for recognizing "the need to bring more dialogue between the staff of various buildings of the district."

My third superintendent was Dr. Gerald Carozza. I met him many times and found him to be friendly, and he seemed to be an excellent leader of our school district. However, he inherited many of the unresolved negotations problems from the previous years. Our three-day strike in September of 1975 was an eye-opener and an experience I wouldn't wish upon any educator.

The next man hired to lead the Plattsburgh CSD was Art Momot. A strong leader, an experienced educator, Momot was, without a doubt, the right person at the right time. Momot's many years of leadership helped heal wounds from the strike days. Born and raised in the North Country, he had worked in the Plattsburgh community as a teacher and then was a principal at Monty Street School and at Oak Street School in the PCSD, so he understood varying viewpoints. He was a listener and a decision-maker. He is the first superintendent that I really got to know as a friend, and perhaps my best years as an eductor were during his time as superintendent.

When Momot retired, he left big shoes to fill. Fortunately they were filled by the man with the smallest feet. Dr. George Amedore was hired. He is the superintendent who looked best in a ten-gallon cowboy hat. He is the only superintendent who was shorter than I am (I'm 5' 6"). But he was more than that. He was very knowlegeable and his leadership was the right fit to replace Art Momot. Dr. Amedore led the school district through many changes, including capital projects, such as the large additions at Plattsburgh High School and Stafford Middle School.

The departure of George Amedore in 2002 brought Dr. Michelle Kavanaugh to Plattsburgh. Perhaps it will take time, as it has with her predecessors, to fairly judge her impact upon the PCSD. But she is my last superintendent. Who will be next? Will there be someone within the district with the interest and credentials to take this important job? Will it take a nation-wide search to find the right leader? In his role as teacher union president Rod Sherman, who also was hired by Dr. Lancione, has worked closely with each superintendent since 1973. He hopes "that the Board of Education will again reach out to the stakeholder groups for a very open process to find a new leader of our district."

Dr. Kavanaugh noted recently, "Our students have been blessed by the care and attention of the highly competent staff members who continuously work on their behalf ... we have benefited from strong community support in our efforts on behalf of students and families."

Best wishes to Dr. Kavanaugh as she leaves on May 1. We eagerly wait to see who next has the honor of of being named superintendent of the Plattsburgh City School District.