A longtime educator from the Shenendehowa district has been proposed as superintendent of the Scotia-Glenville Central School District.
The Scotia-Glenville Board of Education is expected to appoint Susan M. Swartz, currently assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum at Shenendehowa, to the post at its July 11 meeting. She would start at an annual salary of $125,000.
Swartz is to succeed Michael J. Marcelle, who left the district in April to become the South Colonie School District superintendent.
Scotia-Glenville board president Margaret Smith said Swartz had earned high reviews during the hiring process and through interviews with the board and three committees.
In a statement, Smith said Swartz was widely praised as a "collaborative decision-maker, experienced in leading district- wide initiatives, a true learner and passionate about teaching and serving children."
Swartz was unavailable for comment Tuesday.
At Shenendehowa, Swartz is known for her leadership style during her many years with the district, said Gary DiLallo, president of that district’s board.
"She’s very good at working with people and helping them reach consensus. What she may lack in authority she’s been able to accomplish through influence because people respect her and like her," DiLallo said. "To me that says more for an individual than somebody who can tell you what to do."
Swartz, 48, has been at Shenendehowa since 1986, starting with eight years as a special education teacher. In 1994 she became coordinator of instructional support services, in 1997 she was named director of student services, and she moved to her current post in 2001.
"She’s worked her way up through the ranks . . . In each job she’s not only filled our expectations but exceeded them and [she has] grown with each job and each increase in [responsibility]," DiLallo said.
Swartz holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from SUNY Plattsburgh and a master’s in special education from Russell Sage.
As assistant superintendent, DiLallo said, Swartz has "done a great deal to bring greater uniformity within the elementary schools." DiLallo said Swartz was instrumental in developing a districtwide report card for elementary schools, improving the mentoring program for new teachers, and improving the teacher evaluation process.
DiLallo said Shenendehowa will miss Swartz and added that "Scotia’s getting a fine superintendent."