BC News

Board names consulting firm to guide search process
Release Date: Oct. 23, 2007

The Board of Education has named educational consulting firm Costallo & Silky to conduct the national search for candidates to be the next superintendent of the district.

Superintendent Les Loomis announced in early September that after 21 years as Bethlehem Central superintendent, he will retire at the end of the 2007-08 school year.

Costallo & Silky consultants Dr. William Silky and Dr. Lucy Martin will work closely with the Board of Education, stakeholder groups such as teachers, administrators, support staff, parents and the community at large to ensure the district attracts the best candidates for BC.

Dr. Silky is a professor in the Educational Administration Department at SUNY Oswego and the statewide coordinator of the Superintendent Development Program, a cooperative venture among SUNY Oswego, BOCES District Superintendents and local superintendents. Dr. Martin has been a teacher, reading specialist, administrator and superintendent of schools in rural and suburban school districts. In addition, she has been a member of the New York State Teachers' Retirement System Board of Trustees for 20 years, having served for ten years as President.

“Finding the right superintendent is probably the most important job Board of Education members have,” Board President James W. Lytle said. “With the depth of experience and professional contacts that Dr. Silky and Dr. Martin bring to this process, and by working closely with our community, I’m hopeful that we will draw a talented pool of candidates from which to choose an outstanding leader for our district.”

As soon as late November, the consultants will be meeting with groups of district stakeholders, parents and members of the community, to develop a profile of the type of candidate the district is seeking. More information about this part of the process will be available in the near future.