Second candidate for Syracuse Superintendent named
Update: Second candidate for Syracuse Superintendent identified
The Syracuse City School District Board of Education has named the second finalist for the position of next Superintendent. Sharon Contreras is currently serving as chief academic officer for the Providence Public Schools. Before that, Sharon served as a teacher, principal, area superintendent and assistant superintendent in Rockford, Illinois.
Tonight at 7:30, a reception is being held at Corcoran High School to introduce Contreras to parents, students, and District staff.
Previous Information:
At a forum held in the Corcoran High School cafeteria, Superintendent candidate Dr. Bernard Taylor Jr. made it clear to parents he was passionate about education and expected the same from them. The former Pittsburgh teacher and current Grand Rapids, Michigan superintendent said he thinks Syracuse city schools have good opportunities for students.
"This is not a reclamation project, this is a renovation project. Because there's a strong foundation that's been laid and I think what's important is to utilize the foundation to figure out what the community wants to do,' said Taylor after the meeting.
Dr. Taylor has experience with urban school districts and tight budgets but he said his focus is on students first.
In Grand Rapids he's credited with five consecutive years of improvement and turning around underachieving schools.
His energetic approach impressed Syracuse city school social worker Lauren Angelone.
"I thought he was a really sincere and honest man. I really liked how he made it a personal statement and I like how he used humor to be honest with you," said Angelone.
After a brief presentation, parents and educators had a chance to talk with Dr. Taylor and many were hopeful the district had found its new leader.
"He is a jewel. He is that gold we've been looking for in the Syracuse city school district and I'm praying and hoping he will not let us down," said Geneva Hayden.
Dr. Taylor said that if he is hired for the job, he will live in Syracuse.
The other finalist for the Superintendent job will be introduced on Wednesday night. Their name has not been released yet.
