Caplan to be next Watervliet superintendent

Dec. 8, 2011

The Watervliet City School District Board of Education announced today it has selected Dr. Lori S. Caplan, currently the principal of the Watervliet Junior-Senior High School, to be the next superintendent of schools.
    According to Board President Mark Scully, a contract is pending but the board expects to finalize terms with Dr. Caplan prior to her official start date in early January.
“The board is extremely pleased with the selection of Dr. Caplan as our new superintendent. We’re confident in her ability and feel her leadership will keep the district moving in the right direction,” Mr. Scully said.
    Dr. Caplan has been the principal of the junior-senior high school since July 2005 and was the assistant principal for two years at the Central Park Middle School in Schenectady before coming to Watervliet. Prior to beginning her administrative career, Dr. Caplan was a teacher for 11 years and head track and field coach for four years in the Hudson City School District. Dr. Caplan earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Sage College in 2010. She lives in Green Island.
    Mr. Scully said it’s fortunate that the district had strong internal candidates to choose from and did not have to go through a long transition period with an interim superintendent as many districts have needed to do. Seven individuals in the district possessed the necessary qualifications to be superintendent, Mr. Scully said, and two candidates applied for the job.
    The board also interviewed Kathleen Strangis, Watervliet’s director of reading and universal pre-kindergarten since 2008, for the position. “We had top notch candidates and the board looks forward to continuing our work with both of them into the future,” Mr. Scully said.
    Dr. Caplan is expected to officially take the role of superintendent on Jan. 6 when current superintendent Dr. Paul J. Padalino starts his new job as superintendent of the Kingston City School District.
    “I am honored to be afforded the opportunity to continue to serve the students, staff, teachers, and administrators in the Watervliet City School District,” Dr. Caplan said. “I am optimistic about a seamless transition that will continue to move the district forward in a positive, productive manner, ensuring our students are college and career ready.”
    During the transition period, Dr. Caplan will work closely with Dr. Padalino on a number of ongoing issues including the bond vote on Dec. 20 when the district will seek voter support for an $18.9 million school renovation project that will have no effect on local property taxes.
    Dr. Caplan will also oversee the transition of the junior-senior high school administration. Discussion concerning the soon-to-be vacant principal’s position is expected to begin in the immediate future.