Schenectady board appoints district leader

Yagielski to focus on strengthening relationships,
building community trust

The Schenectady City School District Board of Education approved the appointment of John Yagielski as interim Superintendent at the Board’s organizational meeting Thursday night.

Yagielski has been working as an educational consultant and researcher since 1997, providing services to many school districts and BOCES across the state as well as other public and private organizations.  He served as Superintendent of the Shenendehowa School District from 1992-1997 and Superintendent of Greece Central School District from 1986-1992 where he also worked from 1969-1983 and 1984-1986 as Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance.     

As a seasoned and experienced administrator, Yagielski brings the leadership, organizational and financial skills and experience that will help the Schenectady School District turn the corner and redirect focus back to students, teaching and learning.  He emphasized that in order to get there, district leaders must regain community respect and trust.  “I recognize that people are upset with the school district,” said Yagielski.  He pointed out that one of his top goals is to work toward rebuilding community confidence in the district and its leadership.   “Community support for our schools is critical in our ability to help all students succeed,” said Yagielski. 

Board member Diane Herrmann agrees.   “John is the right leader at the right time for the Schenectady School District,” said Herrmann. “His experience, demeanor and ability to work with all members of the education community allow us to put the problems of the past behind us and help us move forward to provide the very best educational experience for the children of our city.” 

 “Schools are owned by the community,” said Yagielski.  “These are their schools.”  He reiterated the importance of listening to the students, the staff, the parents and the community members.  “I am going to listen carefully,” he said.   As part of his plan, Yagielski said he will go out in to the community to meet families, clergy, politicians and community leaders.  “I will go to them,” he said.  “I want to hear their concerns and let them know I’m listening and will address them.” 

Yagielski has presented at many international, national and regional conferences and workshops hosted by the US Department of Labor, National School Boards Association, National Education Association, the Eastman Kodak Company, IBM Corporation, New York State Association of School Business Officials and many more organizations.  He authored articles published in Journal of Educational Finance, Educational Horizons and Educational Economics.  He was an adjunct professor at the University of Rochester Graduate School of Education where he taught courses on educational administration, business affairs and finance.   

Yagielski earned a BS-BA degree in Accounting and Finance from Myers College in Ohio, an MBA in Finance and Economics from University of Rochester and MS in Educational Administration of the University of Rochester.  He is a member of many professional associations. 

Yagielski is also a member of the Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) Board but plans to resign to take the leadership position in Schenectady. 

Yagielski will take the post immediately and has agreed to continue as interim Superintendent through June 30, 2011.  He will be paid a salary of $170,000.