Ossining Schools Chief To Depart For Tarrytown

OSSINING, NY — The Ossining Board of Education announced Wednesday that Superintendent Ray Sanchez is becoming the schools chief in Tarrytown after the end of the school year in June.

"I write today with a mix of emotions in my heart. After a great deal of reflection, I have decided that it is time for me to close out my many years of service to the Ossining community and begin a new chapter in my professional career. I have accepted the Superintendent role in the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns," Sanchez said in an email to the community Wednesday afternoon. "I remember the day I was offered a fourth-grade teaching position in Ossining as if it were yesterday, even though it was many years ago. This is where I began my career of serving students, families, and communities. I cannot begin to describe the gratitude I feel for the opportunities I have been given and the trust that has been placed in me over the years. I will be forever connected to this wonderful community."

Sanchez held a number of roles in Ossining, including fourth-grade teacher, English as a Second Language supervisor, assistant principal, supervisor for english language arts and funded programs, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent.

The district has been finding its schools chiefs close-to-hand for two decades. Sanchez was the assistant superintendent when Phyllis Glassman left in 2013 — and she had been the assistant superintendent to Robert Roelle. SEE: Sanchez Tapped as Next Ossining Superintendent

"We would like to take this moment to recognize Dr. Sanchez for his passion, dedication and commitment to serving the Ossining community and our children for nearly 25 years, the last ten as our Superintendent," said board President Katherin Crossling. "Ossining’s unique and diverse schools are recognized across our state as a leader in equity, inclusion, and improving educational outcomes for all students. Our reputation has been bolstered tremendously by Dr. Sanchez and his efforts to advocate, inspire, lead, and work collectively to improve the lives of our students and community. Dr. Sanchez has made a lasting impact on our school district and laid a secure foundation for educational excellence. We will build from this place of strength moving forward."

The Board has begun its leadership transition planning, which is focused on six key points:

• Working with Dr. Sanchez to ensure that a strong leadership plan is in place for each school building.
• Ensuring that initiatives and additional staffing planned as part of the 2023-2024 budget will be enacted with fidelity.
• Appointing an interim superintendent of schools.
• Interviewing and retaining a search consultant to develop a candidate profile that will guide the process for recruitment of the next permanent superintendent of our schools.
• Maintaining progress and community engagement on important facility plans.
• Keeping the Ossining community fully involved in and aware of our progress during transition.

The trustees anticipate naming an interim superintendent soon.

"An interim superintendent is necessary because the process for recruitment of a highly qualified permanent superintendent can take many months to over a year in some cases," they said. "Introducing this individual to our school community will be our first priority."