Padalino to leave Watervliet

Nov. 17, 2011

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul J. Padalino has announced he will be leaving the Watervliet City School District to take the top school administrator job in Kingston, N.Y.
The Kingston City School District Board of Education voted Wednesday night to appoint Dr. Padalino superintendent of the 7,000-student district. Dr. Padalino is expected to begin work in Kingston in early January.
Watervliet Board of Education President Mark Scully said the Watervliet board will meet very soon to discuss Dr. Padalino’s replacement.
“Obviously we’re going to miss Dr. Padalino,” Mr. Scully said. “He energized the school district and put us on the right track. The school board will have to see that we replace him with someone with the same energy, enthusiasm and dedication to keep moving this district in a positive direction.”
At the end of September, the Kingston board identified Dr. Padalino as one of three finalists for the Kingston post. Prior to becoming Watervliet’s superintendent in July 2005, Dr. Padalino had served as principal at Hudson High School since 2001. From 1997 to 2001 Padalino taught Social Studies in the Troy City School District. He earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Sage College in 2010.
During his time as Watervliet superintendent, Padalino helped the district erase a $1.5 million deficit and complete two construction and renovations projects totaling more than $30 million. A third renovation project – which will have no effect on local taxes – is in the planning stage and will go to a public vote on Dec. 20 prior to Padalino’s departure.
With Padalino as superintendent the district also launched a Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program and significantly improved school attendance rates. He also improved the district’s communication with parents and other constituents and won support for the last six budgets presented to voters.
“It is always rewarding to work in a school district where you can really make a difference for students and the community. I’m proud of this district and what we have accomplished together,” Padalino said.