Earlier in the year The Current was able to get an exclusive farewell from Dr. Glassman directly to the Ossining High School community prior to her retirement. To close out the year we were able to sit down with our new Superintendent, Mr. Raymond Sanchez. Although this is a familiar name to most of us, his new title in the school district gives him a new role, and a host of responsibilities.
The Current: How did the whole Superintendent Search process go?
Mr. Sanchez: I wasn’t a part of it directly. Obviously I was aware of it. Every piece of information that the community received is all I received as well. It was a very confidential process. I know that the consultants that were asked to lead the search had a variety of community meetings to discuss the ideal characteristics of a superintendent. They shared that with the board and from there they conducted interviews of their own which ultimately led to a committee of community members and consultants to interview a select few. The board in the end made a final decision based off the whole process.
TC: What do you think set your resume apart from the other candidates in this process?
RS: I think it was a very open search, and I believe that. My hope is that beyond the fact that I’ve been with the district, I think that is a smaller characteristic that distinguishes me between the other candidates. Hopefully it’s the experiences that I bring in various administrative roles and my vision for the district. I was nervous, but not about interviewing, more to do with when you want something and you’re determined to get it. The chance of not getting it makes you more nervous.
TC: What was your first big assignment as Superintendent?
RS: The first and foremost is the budget. I was the Interim Superintendent before, which in some cases is beneficial because I’ve been here before and I was working so closely with Dr. Glassman. Although Superintendent wasn’t my title, I knew most of the nuances that it takes to be a superintendent. I participated in a lot of the decision-making processes related to superintendent such decisions. Moving into the budget, these are challenging, difficult times and you just want to maintain all the great programs that we offer. That was definitely the most difficult challenge coming in. It remains a challenge but right now, I’m spending a lot of time getting to know the insides of every part of the district and town on a personal level and learning how we can find a balance and work together.
TC: What specifically is your vision for the district in your upcoming years?
RS: Some people say, “Are things going to change or are things going to stay the same?” and the answer to both of those questions is yes. Some things are going to change and some things will remain the same. What’s going to remain the same is that there is a strong vision in the district and we want to maintain that and make sure that the work that we do is inline with the vision. The processes we use may change, which is why I’m talking to all of these different groups and maintaining the relationship with them, but helping them grow. I was to keep us on the cutting edge of what we do and actually continue to go from not good to great, but great to greater. We have a great district, it’s a matter of how do we even get better? I think there are ways in which we can do that. My hope is that we can set up structures and systems to support that.
TC: Aside from your vision for the Ossining School District what are you visions for Ossining in its entirety?
RS: To me it’s all about building partnerships. I want our community to be part of our schools and our schools to be part of our community. I’ve met with town and village officials and we’re always discussing ways we can collaborate. I want everyone to know the great things happening in the schools, because it really reflects on the town. There are a lot of great resources in the town and village, and we should be utilizing that.
TC: Are there any specific messages you want to leave with the students and faculty of OHS?
RS: Whatever role I’ve been in with the district, I’m humbled by all the great things that the high school staff and students do. Often I’m asked if I’m aware of this or if I’m aware of that, and often I am, but there is times I’m not. It’s hard to keep up with all the great things that are always happening. I guess my message is to just keep up the great work. You have my support and to basically let me know where I can support even more than I am now. Keep thinking forward. It’s important to keep constantly thinking ahead and going forward.
We would like to thanks Mr. Sanchez for his time and of course good luck with his new role as superintendent!
