Search begins for new PB super

By Kerry Butrick Dowling
Posted 1/25/22

As the Pine Bush Central School District school community begins to move ahead following the loss of Superintendent of Schools Tim O. Mains, the Pine Bush Board of Education appointed retired teacher …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Search begins for new PB super

Posted

As the Pine Bush Central School District school community begins to move ahead following the loss of Superintendent of Schools Tim O. Mains, the Pine Bush Board of Education appointed retired teacher and administrator Donna Geidel as the interim superintendent of schools through July 18, 2022 at the Tuesday, January 18th meeting.

Geidel released a statement to the school community announcing her return and her goals for the next few months. “I return to the district from retirement with a heavy heart. Tim Mains was a dear friend and mentor. I am grateful for his leadership and compassion and realize how much we have all been impacted by his passing,” she shared.

Geidel said her main priority will be the physical and mental health of the Pine Bush school community during this challenging time. From the loss of Mains to the frustrations for families and the education community because of Covid, Geidel said she will make sure communication is at the forefront during her tenure.

In addition to the physical and mental health of the school community, her second priority will be to conduct a search for the next superintendent. “Our board of education is committed to engaging staff, students, parents, and community members in this process. They have already begun to develop a plan with the assistance of William J. Hecht, OU-BOCES C.O.O. and a search consultant and his senior administrative team,” said Geidel.

In a press release shared by Orange-Ulster BOCES, Hecht announced that he will coordinate and assist with all aspects of the superintendent search process. “The ideal candidate for the position would be a highly qualified, committed and caring leader with a vision for excellence and a desire to lead an innovative, forward thinking school district.

The Superintendent will be provided with a regionally competitive salary and benefits package. Candidates must possess or be eligible for New York State certification as a School District Administrator (SDA) or School District Leader (SDL),” the press release explained.

A special forum was scheduled to take place on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 7 p.m. in the Pine Bush High School Cafeteria for Pine Bush community members interested in learning more about the search. The Pine Bush community is also invited to complete an online survey by February 18, 2022 regarding the superintendent search at www.ouboces.org/pbsurvey.

“I encourage all of you to participate in one or both of these opportunities so that your thoughts and opinions are considered as we develop a rubric to assist with candidate selection. I look forward to working together again with my favorite community. Thank you in advance for your patience, kindness and respect. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions and/or concerns. I will continue to honor Mr. Mains’ legacy by responding in a timely manner,” said Geidel.