Press release:
The Batavia School District Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher J. Dailey as the district’s new deputy superintendent, effective Jan. 1.
He will assume the role of superintendent of the district following the anticipated retirement of current Superintendent Margaret Puzio. Dailey has served as Batavia High School Principal since May 2008.
“At a time when there is a tremendous shortage of quality superintendents and increasing turnover rates, we are extremely fortunate to have an individual that offers us a proven track record, a smooth transition, and is someone with a strong commitment to our community," said Board President Gail Stevens. "Mr. Dailey, in his role as high school principal, has earned the respect of the teachers, students, administration and community."
In 2010, the board identified the need for a succession plan to be put in place for key personnel who were nearing retirement. As part of that plan, Dailey was identified as a strong candidate to succeed Puzio. A process for conducting a new superintendent search had been considered as well, but searches can be expensive in a time of limited resources and sometimes lead to disappointing results.
After conducting extensive interviews with Dailey, each member was confident that the district had the right person internally to continue the district’s success and ensure continuity in these uncertain financial times.
In August, Dailey completed the Transition to Superintendency program through the educational Leadership Institute at Oswego State College. The program orients experienced school administrators to the skills and attitudes needed to become superintendents, according to the program description.
Dailey’s strengths are considerable. He is an excellent communicator who listens well and respects the views of others. His leadership of the high school has fostered pride and inspired a drive for excellence from both staff and students.
Although he is recognized for his strong administrative skills, he has earned multiple awards for his teaching and coaching. His experiences as a social studies teacher and coach in the Rush, Henrietta, Le Roy, and Brighton school districts prepared him well for his role as instructional leader.
This is a great opportunity for the district to carry on many of the initiatives that are under way with continuity in leadership and knowledge. Some examples of initiatives in which he has been involved include: a focus on improvement in student achievement; data driven instructional planning, including assessment analysis and targeted academic interventions; credit recovery and increased graduation rates; establishment of enhanced teacher leadership; alignment of curricula to the new Common Core Standards; and the new teacher and principal APPRs.
“I believe the board made a terrific choice for the district and I look forward with working with Mr. Dailey,” Superintendent Puzio said.
Before joining the administrative team in the Batavia City School District, Dailey was assistant principal in the Churchville-Chili School District. His numerous leadership roles -- including department chair, high school principal, high school assistant principal, and varsity coach -- signal a record of previous school leadership success. This led to consensus among members of the Batavia City School District Board of Education that he will be an excellent district leader.
Dailey holds a B.A. from SUNY Geneseo, and a master's degree and Certificate of Advanced Studies from SUNY Brockport.
For a report on Monday's school board meeting, click here.
