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Looking Back at 2007 - and Ahead to 2008: a Conversation with Mark Villanti, Haldane's Superintendent of Schools
by Mike Turton
At some point, as Mark Villanti prepared to take over as Superintendent of Schools for the Haldane School District in July, 2007, he must have at least wondered if life in a smaller school district would be simpler. If he had that thought at all it must have been fleeting. Almost immediately, Villanti was faced with turnover in key staff positions. A Board election was held. Planning for an extensive capital project was already well underway as the district struggled to address a myriad of issues in its aging buildings and facilities. Between Christmas and New Year's, the PCN&R sat down with Mr. Villanti to hear his reflections on 2007 and his thoughts on the year ahead.
PCN&R: So where did you hang your hat before coming to Haldane? Villanti: I was Superintendent of Schools in the Duanesburg School District, about half an hour from Albany.
PCN&R: Why the move to Haldane?
Villanti: I've lived all but about six years in Dutchess County. I loved Duanesburg but wanted to come back to this area. I had admired Haldane and I thought I could have a greater impact in a smaller district.
PCN&R: What was it like losing your principal and business manager so early in your tenure?
Villanti: The timing was not the best! But Meryl came back to help out and Andy was just a phone call away. They both left on very good terms and I feel very good about their replacements. Brian Alm served as an assistant principal for six years - very unusual theses days. Anne Dinio brings a wealth of financial experience. Both are very well prepared.
PCN&R: Do you think that schools have their own distinct personality? Does Haldane?
Villanti: I think every district has its own culture and personality, reflecting the wider community. A lot of people have lived here for a long time and take great pride in their community. Four of our five trustees graduated from Haldane. There is a lot of pride in the school. Pride in your school and community form deep-seeded roots - and that's good. There is also some transition taking place - new people, new economic and social forces that can bring positive change.
PCN&R: What has surprised you since coming to Haldane?
Villanti: The similarities to Duanesburg. Sometimes I think I'm living in a parallel universe! Aging buildings needing attention. Capital Projects. Staffing issues. Preserving the French program. There's hardly a week goes by without running into the same issues.
PCN&R: The capital project that the district is planning is a big ticket item. What's the one thing you want the public to know?
Villanti: People can disagree over how much should be spent and what the district can afford. But there can't be disagreement on what work needs to be done. There is nothing in the capital project that doesn't need to be tended to. It's a question of priorities and the timeline. And we really do need the public to be involved by being forthright with their questions, to ensure that we clearly justify what needs to be done. Our goal is to be transparent and honest with the public.
PCN&R: The basic philosophy behind athletics at Haldane has come up at a number of Board meetings. What's the real issue?
Villanti: Athletics have to be put into perspective. Our number one mission here is academics. Athletics can be a great means to an end. I played varsity football and lacrosse and was a better student during those seasons because I had to be more disciplined in my school work. I want scholar-athlete teams. Athletics are part of a bigger message. We want students to pursue excellence in everything they do. We want our students be the best - whether they become an auto mechanic or a doctor.
PCN&R: What are you hearing from students?
Villanti: I don't hear a lot of complaints. They are very spirited. I think they like it here. There was some concern about establishing a "senior lounge." I don't think the word "lounge": should be part of our vocabulary. If you provide a lounge that's what students will do. The students do need a place to get their work done and we're establishing a Study Center in the Merritt building along with a satellite library, laptop computers etc. Students also need supervision and the Study Center will be supervised.
PCN&R: Where is there room for improvement?
Villanti: I think we can do more in terms of service to the community. The adults in this community are very altruistic. I think students here grew up with a lot and can give back more. We need to cultivate that. I'd like to see every team and club undertake at least one community project next year.
PCN&R: In terms of education itself, what do you see as the biggest challenge?
Villanti: Last year's state assessments were good, better than the year before, but it's not about meeting minimum state standards, it's about doing our very best. Proficiency is not the measure - mastery is. It's very important that we offer a rigorous academic program. I think the French program is symbolic of a larger issue. It's hard for me to think that more kids should not be taking two languages. We live in a global economy. Students are applying to top colleges. They need to understand the world. Especially given our small size - we need very rigorous academics.
PCN&R: How does this Board compare to others you have worked with?
Villanti: They seem to have a real ability to work together. I like that fact that we have five very different personalities and that they reflect the community at large. We have a trustee who is school principal. Some are parents. They have expertise in a range of areas from law to facilities. They have common sense. There isn't any ego.
PCN&R: The District is embarking on a new strategic plan this year. Where is that on your priority list? Villanti: It's probably the most important thing I'll do this year.
PCN&R: Why?
Villanti: It outlines our vision - for students, staff, and board - for everything from instruction to facilities. It's a road map. By June I hope we'll have new goals and vision in place.
PCN&R: What is the strategic plan's most important message?
Villanti: In part at least… that we are purposeful - that we have clear direction; that we are passionate - that we don't settle for a career but rather are excited about our life's work; and that we are compassionate - towards teachers, students, classmates, seniors and our community.
The Haldane School District meets next on Wednesday, January 2, 2008.
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