Superintendent eyes Spa City job
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.» Michael Patton has always lived in Saratoga County. He grew up in Clifton Park, and Tuesday night he made his case for why the school board should select him to be the next Saratoga Springs City School District’s new superintendent.
Patton worked at General Electric as a human resources assistant after graduating from college. He also coached lacrosse at Sienna College.
But he grew up in a family full of educators.
“I knew my heart was working with children, and so I changed my employment focus and shift and went back to college at St. Rose and got my master’s degree in school counseling,” said Patton.
Patton was a counselor at Ballston Spa middle school for five years, and then served as assistant principal of the high school in Ballston Spa for three years. Then he became Queensbury’s principal for seven years before taking the superintendent position at South Glens Falls in 2011. Patton explained his core values that every students deserves a right to be educated in a safe, nurturing and challenge environment; every person is unique and has a special gift or talent to share; honesty is essential for developing trusting relationships; valuing diversity makes community’s stronger and communities flourish when all individuals participate and contribute.
Patton, who’s three children went to Dorothy Nolan Elementary School in the city’s school district, laid out his plan before taking office as well as his plan if he would be selected as the
next superintendent.
Before taking office, Patton would spend his time listening and learn, gathering information about the school district’s history, culture and traditions and engage with the community.
Once in office, Patton would focus on creating personal relationships with students, staff and community; open communications for opportunities to gather and share feedback; collaborate with all stakeholders; learn about the academic and social/ emotional needs of students; learn about curriculum and instinctual initiatives from faculty, staff and administrators, review the district’s technology and professional development plans that support teaching and learning; gain a better understand of various processes like school budget, human resources, transportation and maintain high visibility and personal engagement throughout the community.
After office, Patton would continue to support programs like Parent University; advocate for the school district with elected leaders and promote positive public relations; work together to build up and celebrate the success of Vision 2018; continue the important work of Legacy Planning to create a shared vision for the future of the school district and publicly share what he has learned about the school district after six months on the job.
Patton was the final superintendent candidate to give a presentation to the board.
Douglas Silvernell, assistant superintendent for 21st century teaching and learning in the Saratoga Springs City School District, and Timothy Terranova, deputy superintendent in the West Irondequoit Central School District, were the other candidates.
The school board will now conduct final interviews.
The school board, with James Dexter, superintendent of Warren-SaratogaWashington-Hamilton-Essex BOCES, has been lead consultant since the board began its search in May, four months after Michael Piccirillo announced his plan to retire Dec. 31. Piccirillo’s 2016 salary was $183,713.