Watervliet to downsize administration; Interim high school principals to shift roles

Feb. 2, 2012

Marking a reduction in administration, Watervliet High School Interim Assistant Principal Ryan Groat will take the position of Watervliet Junior-Senior High School interim principal effective Feb. 27. Mr. Groat succeeds current interim principal Mr. David Wareing who will return to his former job as assistant principal and take on the responsibilities of district athletic director.

Mr. Wareing will assume the duties of athletic director following the retirement later this winter of current athletic director and junior high assistant principal Mr. Richard Cowles. Previously retired from Cornell University athletics, Mr. Cowles has announced his last day at Watervliet will be March 30.

With Mr. Wareing assuming all of Mr. Cowles’ assistant principal and athletic director responsibilities, there will be a reduction of one administrative position. Moving forward, the junior-senior high school administration will consist of one principal and one assistant principal/athletic director.

“This cut in our already lean administration is just the first of many reductions we’ll be looking at as we work on the 2012-13 budget,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lori Caplan said. “I encourage our residents and parents to learn more about the cost saving measures we’re considering by attending one of our upcoming budget forums.”

Mr. Wareing served as assistant high school principal at Watervliet for six years before being appointed interim principal in early January to fill the vacancy created when Dr. Lori Caplan became superintendent. Mr. Wareing announced during a faculty meeting Tuesday he would step down as interim principal and return to his former position.

“Considering my desire for more direct interaction with students, I have decided to return to my role as assistant principal and take on new duties as athletic director. This shift will also allow me to spend more time with my family than would have been possible, I now realize, as principal,” Mr. Wareing said. “I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and the students at Watervliet.”

Mr. Groat is a former sixth grade teacher and administrator in the Hudson and East Greenbush school districts and has served as a principal, assistant principal, athletic director and the principal of an alternative education program.

Mr. Groat’s interim appointment will run through June. The Board of Education will post the position of high school principal in April.

“From day one I felt welcomed by the Watervliet family,” Mr. Groat said. “I’ll look to complement all the great things that are going on in the district and look forward to working closely with Mr. Wareing as well as Dr. Caplan and the rest of the administration and the board of education.”

The district’s first public budget meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. in the administrative conference room at the junior-senior high school.

Residents can also meet the district’s administrators Monday, Feb. 6 at the New Administrators Meet and Greet at 6 p.m in the high school cafeteria. Refreshments will be provided by the high school food and nutrition class.