School district to hire new administrators
The Ballston Spa Central School District Board of Education is scheduled to appoint two top administrators Wednesday.
Kenneth Slentz has been tapped to become the next superintendent of schools, while interim Ballston Spa High School Principal Gianelo Duca will move into that position full time.
Slentz is currently the superintendent of the Skaneateles Central School District in New York’s Finger Lakes region. He is set to begin Aug. 20.
“Mr. Slentz impressed the board with his years of experience in many different educational capacities, including the time he spent at the State Education Department,” said Kevin Schaefer, president of the Ballston Spa school board. “The board is in complete agreement Mr. Slentz will be able to lead the Ballston Spa Central School District forward so that our students will continue to be exposed to many great opportunities. We welcome him and his wife to our community.”
Prior to joining the Skaneateles district, Slentz served for five years as the deputy commissioner for PK-12 Education for the New York State Education Department. Over his 24 years in public education, Slentz has also served as a teaching assistant, as a middle school social studies teacher, curriculum coordinator and principal as well as a superintendent at the Long Lake and West Canada Valley school districts.
Slentz was chosen through a confidential search conducted by the Ballston Spa Board of Education with help from Capital Region BOCES. Also included in the process were a small group of stakeholders who represented central and building level administration, teaching and support staff, operations staff and community members.
“We are confident our exhaustive search helped us find the right person to lead our school district. Mr. Slentz’s extensive experience will serve our students, schools and the entire community well,” said Sue Filburn, Ballston Spa School Board vice president.
Slentz holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the state Universtiy of New York at Geneseo, a master’s degree in education from SUNY Oswego and received administrative certification from SUNY Plattsburgh.
Slentz and his wife Katie have one daughter, Keller, who is a graduate of Skaneateles Central School District
According to a news release, Duca was selected from a competitive group of qualified candidates consisting of sitting administrators with strong high school experience. The candidates were interviewed by a representative selection team, who recommended him as the leader among the finalists.
“Mr. Duca was clearly the strongest instructional leader and most qualified to support our staff as we continue to move forward with district initiatives,” Interim Superintendent Denise Jones said.
Duca, who has been with the district since 2015, currently serves as assistant principal at BSHS. Prior to his service at Ballston Spa, he held social studies teaching positions at South Colonie and Medford high schools.
Duca holds a bachelor’s degree in history/education from Western New England University, a master’s degree in education from Salem State University and received administrative certification from Massachusetts College
of Liberal Arts. He holds New York state certification as a school district and a school building leader.
“It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I accept the position of Ballston Spa High School principal,” Duca said. “I am honored to take an important leadership role in a district that is innovative in programmatic planning and nurturing in the needs of students. I have a tremendous respect for the work that is accomplished among the students, staff and parents in Ballston Spa.”
Duca is currently serving in a leadership role at BSHS as interim principal. The school currently has more than 1,200 students.
Duca’s appointment as principal will begin on July 1. He lives in Waterford.