On behalf of the Union-Endicott Central School District Board of Education, I am writing to share important information regarding the search for our district’s next Superintendent of Schools.
As you know, Dr. Nicole Wolfe, who has served Union-Endicott with dedication and a deep commitment to our students, staff, families, and community, will officially retire after 36 years in education at the end of June 2027. The Board is grateful for Dr. Wolfe’s leadership and many years of service to the district. There will be opportunities in the months ahead to recognize her contributions and celebrate the impact she has made throughout Union-Endicott.
One of the most important responsibilities entrusted to a Board of Education is the selection of a superintendent. We recognize the significance of this decision and the lasting impact our next superintendent will have on our students, employees, families, and the broader Union-Endicott community. It is a responsibility we take very seriously.
The Board has appointed Dr. Rebecca Stone, District Superintendent of Broome-Tioga BOCES, to serve as the search consultant and guide us through the superintendent search process.
After careful consideration, the Board has chosen to conduct a confidential superintendent search. This approach is intended to attract the strongest possible candidate pool, including highly qualified sitting superintendents and other educational leaders who may not be able to participate in a public search process.
The Board of Education will conduct the initial and subsequent candidate interviews. Throughout the process, candidate identities will remain confidential. The name of the successful candidate will be shared publicly once the Board has completed the selection process and is prepared to make an announcement.
While members of the school community will not interview or meet individual candidates as part of this confidential process, community voice will play an important role in shaping the Board’s work from the very beginning.
The Board wants to understand what our students, staff, families, community members, and partners believe are the most important qualities, experiences, and leadership characteristics needed in Union-Endicott’s next superintendent.
To gather broad input, the district will use ThoughtExchange, an online engagement tool that allows participants to share their thoughts about the characteristics of their next leader. To participate in the ThoughtExchange, either use the following QR Code or web link:
QR Code
Weblink: https://tejoin.com/participate/460445269
In addition, Dr. Stone will facilitate a series of focus groups from October 1–6. Focus groups will include representatives from the student body, teachers' association, clerical staff, aides/monitors, administrators, maintenance, food services, transportation, and parents/community (PTA). Each group will consist of approximately 8 participants selected by the leadership of the respective group.
Feedback gathered through the ThoughtExchange and focus groups will be compiled and shared directly with the Board of Education. This information will help the Board identify the leadership qualities and priorities it should seek in candidates, develop the superintendent search brochure, formulate interview questions, and identify areas the Board should explore more deeply throughout the interview and selection process.
Although confidentiality means the community will not meet or interview the candidates, your input at the beginning of the process is important. It will help establish the criteria through which the Board evaluates candidates and ultimately selects the individual best prepared to lead Union-Endicott into the future.
As we move forward, our goal is to have the next Superintendent of Schools in place by July 1, 2027. As the search progresses, we will provide updates on the Union-Endicott Central School District website while maintaining the confidentiality necessary to protect the integrity of the candidate process.
We understand how important this decision is to our entire school community. We are committed to conducting a thoughtful, thorough, and professional search that honors the strengths and traditions of Union-Endicott while considering the leadership our district will need for the future.
Questions or comments regarding the superintendent search process should be directed to Dr. Rebecca Stone, District Superintendent of Broome-Tioga BOCES, at 607-766-3802 or rstone@btboces.org.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Union-Endicott and, most importantly, to the students we are privileged to serve. We look forward to hearing your perspectives and keeping you informed as we undertake this important work together.
Sincerely,
Jim Truillo
President, Board of Education
Union-Endicott Central School District