New superintendent chosen to lead Ballston Spa CSD
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. >> The Ballston Spa Central School District (CSD) Board of Education recently announced Dr. Gianleo Duca as the new Superintendent of Schools.
He has most recently been serving as Interim Superintendent after being appointed in Sept. 2022. Over the last nine months, the Board reviewed several options and came to the conclusion that the best path forward is to select a leader with an established relationship with many district stakeholders and a proven track record of success within the District.
Duca has not only been successful in every previous leadership role he has held; but he is also highly regarded by those he has worked with and supported in those positions.
“Our survey of staff, parents and caregivers, students, and community members provided the basis for a candidate profile looking for stability and longevity, continuity of curriculum, familiarity with our district and community, and excellent listening and communication skills, as requirements in our next leader,” indicated Board of Education President Jason Fernau. Further, “Dr. Duca meets the criteria of that candidate profile”.
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. In December of 2019, he received his Doctorate Degree from The Sage Colleges, Esteves School of Education. He holds New York State Certification as a School District Leader and a School Building Leader.
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to lead the Ballston Spa Central School District. It is a responsibility for which I am humbly grateful, and one that I do not take lightly. I have a strong sense of dedication and a tremendous respect for our students, staff, caregivers, and the larger community of Ballston Spa,” Duca said in a press release. “I take great pride in the excellent work that I have seen here over the past eight years.
“I am confident that together we will continue our work in developing innovative programming options while simultaneously meeting the needs of each of our students.”
Duca, who has been with the district since 2015, served as an Assistant Principal and Interim Principal before being appointed Principal in July 2018. He continued as Principal until September 2022 and was also serving simultaneously as the Coordinator of Secondary
Special Education Services (during 2020- 2022).
Prior to his service at Ballston Spa, he held Social Studies teaching positions at South Colonie High School and Medford High School (MA). Duca currently resides with his family in Waterford. The Board looks forward to Dr. Duca partnering with students, staff, associations, parents and caregivers, and community members to fulfill the district’s mission to provide an excellent education that maximizes the potential of each student.
The school district currently has just over 4,000 students enrolled in Kindergarten through12th grades.