(Cazenovia, NY – Feb. 2014) The Board of Education voted unanimously during its Feb. 24 regular meeting to appoint Matthew Reilly as the next Superintendent of Schools for Cazenovia Central School District.
Reilly has held the top administrative post at nearby Clinton Central School District since 2011. He takes over the Cazenovia helm on July 1 with a three-year contract.
“I am honored to have been selected as the next leader of the Cazenovia Central School District,” Reilly said. “Cazenovia is truly one of the great school districts in New York state. The commitment, caring and pride of everyone I have encountered make me all the more eager to accept this opportunity and challenge.”
The district launched its search for a new leader last summer, after current Superintendent Robert S. Dubik announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2013-14 school year.
Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES Superintendent Jody Manning led the search, which drew 18 applicants from the around New York state and beyond. The pool then was winnowed to three final job candidates, who were invited to tour the district in mid-February and meet with several stakeholder groups (administrators, teachers, staff, students, community members, etc.)
“We had three tremendous finalists for the job,” Board President Patrick Vogl said. “It was a tough decision. But based on our interviews and extensive vetting process, in addition to the feedback we received from our stakeholder groups, we felt Matt Reilly was just the person to take us in the right direction. He has remarkable vision, he’s a great communicator and, as a former Clinton board member told me, he’s an ‘educator’s superintendent.’”
Reilly, who was present for the board’s vote on Feb. 24, will be invited back for an official meet-and-greet with the community, probably sometime in April. In the meantime, residents should keep a lookout for him at upcoming school functions, Vogl said, and make him feel welcome.
“I’m excited the board has found a replacement now, because it gives us time for a smooth transition,” said Dubik, who has been superintendent since 2004. “That was why I announced my retirement back in June, and I’m delighted that board members were able to use that time to find the perfect fit for Cazenovia.” Dubik said he and Reilly will work together over the next four months to ensure a seamless passing of the baton.
“In Bob’s 10 years as superintendent, he has absolutely dedicated himself to this district, and I firmly believe that, under his leadership, the district has achieved dramatic improvement,” Vogl said. “Thanks to Bob’s efforts, Matt Reilly now has a substantial foundation on which to continue building.”
Before stepping into the superintendent post at Clinton, Reilly served as that district’s middle school principal from 2009 to 2011. He was dean of students for Hamilton Central School from 2007 to 2009. He began his career in education in the classroom, as a social studies teacher first at Madison Central School (1989 to 1997) and then at Hamilton Central School (1997 to 2008).
“As superintendent, I pledge to carry on and add to the tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and co-curriculars for which Cazenovia is widely recognized,” Reilly said. “I am excited to be a member of the Cazenovia family.”