New Hartford, NY, August 29, 2024 – The New Hartford Central School District (NHCSD) faces a pivotal juncture as our current superintendent will soon transition to become an independent educational consultant. As he vacates his role as superintendent, Dr. Tangorra leaves behind a problematic school district still mired in the decades old problem of racism, discrimination, bullying, and harassment. The challenges faced by our educational institutions are multifaceted, including larger class sizes, shrinking support for staff, and a lack of diverse representation in the administration.
As the district embarks on the search for its next superintendent, members of The Intercultural Association of New Hartford collectively voiced the need to conduct a search with utmost openness and transparency, reflecting the values of the community it serves. This sentiment was unanimously voiced by parents, teachers, social workers, and even the president of the NHCSD employees’ union during a recent emergency Board of Education (BOE) meeting focused on determining the superintendent selection process.
Nevertheless, in direct opposition to the community’s call for an open search, the BOE unanimously voted, 6-0 to employ Dr. Kilburn to lead the search for the next superintendent. It was only three years ago that the New Hartford Central School District (NHCSD) hired Dr. Kilburn and opted for a closed search when appointing its current superintendent, Dr. Cosimo Tangorra. This approach resulted in a leadership that, on multiple occasions, has disregarded the community’s wishes. And, regardless of the outcome of this previous search Dr. Kilburn remains committed to a similar approach in this next search.
The district’s oversight in addressing the needs of minority groups, who make up 20% of the overall student population, highlights the importance of transparency and community involvement in the selection process for the next superintendent. The situation is quite serious for students who face attacks and ongoing harassment within our school facilities. The district’s lack of attention to these issues has not only marginalized important segments of our student population but has also contributed to an environment that diminishes the dignity of individuals based on their perceived race, sex, gender, color, national origin, and ethnicity.
This year, national statistics indicate a concerning increase in self-harm and suicide, with these issues now ranking as the second leading cause of death among youth. Given this situation, it is crucial that we take proactive steps to address this urgent matter within our educational institution. As we look ahead, it is vital to establish a cohesive vision and mission for the role of the superintendent as a community with clear statements concerning accountability.
In the coming days, we encourage everyone in our community to collaborate in proposing a shortlist of outstanding candidates for the superintendent position, particularly those who are eager to engage with the community from the very beginning. This is a direct community initiative aimed at empowering the community to directly participate in the search for our next school executive. While the BOE has voted and embarked without the support of the community, they have been made aware of this misstep by the voice of the people. As such, now is the time for community members to join together in this endeavor.
Together, we can create a pool of candidates that can truly be representative of the district.
It is essential that we prioritize change; the next superintendent should be dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. We also invite all community members to participate in our upcoming back-to-school event and weekly meetings focused on implementing important changes in the district.
Thank you for your attention and support!
If you would like to learn more or set up an interview, please reach out to Nandi Riguero by calling (631) 212-1382 or tiaofnheart@gmail.com.
TIA is a volunteer-based action group comprised of NHCSD students, university professors, teachers, professionals, social workers and scientists. We work towards accountability and reform of systemic institutionalized discrimination, bullying, and harassment in places where children learn, play and live.
