The City School District of New Rochelle in Westchester County, New York has officially announced that Dr. Brian Osborne will become superintendent of schools. Dr. Osborne is the current superintendent of schools in South Orange and Maplewood.
In an email to parents in South Orange-Maplewood, Dr. Osborne said, "This morning, the City School District of New Rochelle (NY) Board of Education announced that it will appoint me as superintendent at its meeting tomorrow night, to begin on July 1. Like South Orange-Maplewood, New Rochelle cherishes public education, values diversity, and strives to prepare every student to thrive in a dynamic fast-changing world. I am excited to join New Rochelle, and at the same time, the thought of leaving South Orange-Maplewood is heartrending. Serving as superintendent in SOMSD has been rewarding beyond description. Learning, growing, and leading with you in this vibrant district is a dream job. I have been inspired to witness a school community rising to the challenge of increasing equity and excellence to maximize the potential of every child. Personally, I am grateful that so many of you generously understood that the superintendent is another learner in a learning organization, and allowed me to learn with you. Seven years ago, we cited the poet Antonio Machado’s call to make the path by walking – al andar se hace camino – and I am proud of the road we have shaped together. Due to the outstanding work of a caring and committed staff, a thoughtful and demanding Board of Education, a community that strongly supports excellent public schools, and our 6900 great kids, SOMSD is on the right path. While there are still miles to go, together we have made substantial improvements across all areas, resulting in a changed culture, one that now more fully challenges and supports every student. Thanks to your commitment to excellence and creativity, our students posted substantial gains on state assessments, and, more importantly, grew as learners, artists, athletes, and caring members of their community. Your work narrowed gaps in opportunities and outcomes, while improving high end performance significantly, with gains in advanced proficient scores outpacing comparable districts. We opened doors previously closed, and now more students of all backgrounds have greater access to rigorous college preparatory courses than ever before. You reduced suspensions dramatically, increased performance significantly, and sent a larger percentage of graduates to college poised to succeed. We accomplished all this in the midst of a daunting recession, and you helped make difficult fiscal choices to target resources more directly to instruction and increasing system capacity. As a result, we reduced the year-over-year tax impact while improving student learning, minimizing cuts to existing programs, holding the line on class size and honoring SOMSD’s long-standing commitment to the rich array of AP classes, honors classes, arts programs, clubs, activities, and athletics. As those that live, lead, work, teach, parent, volunteer, and go to school here, you form an impressive and unforgettable community, one that aspires to enact the principles of beloved community, and I have loved being a small part of it. I am confident that SOMSD will continue to flourish as you embrace the opportunities and challenges that come with truly preparing all students for success. All means all! Thank you for allowing me the joy of serving our children along with you".
A press release from the New Rochelle School District said, "The City School District of New Rochelle Board of Education announces that Brian G. Osborne, Ed.D., will be appointed Superintendent of Schools on Tuesday, June 3, 7:00pm at City Hall, according to David Lacher, Board President. Osborne is currently the Superintendent of Schools in the South Orange-Maplewood School District in New Jersey, a position he has held since 2007. The appointment will be effective July 1. Dr. Osborne will begin his transition into the District at that time and will be fully available starting August 1. On behalf of the Board, Lacher stated: “Dr. Osborne is an exceptional educational leader. We have no doubt he will foster a new era of inclusion and community in our District and drive the kind of challenging educational programs we have come to expect. Dr. Osborne’s vision, innovative thinking, and deep commitment to classroom rigor reflect his belief in achievement for all students.” Osborne is looking forward to the new post. “I began my career as a fifth grade bilingual Spanish teacher and am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue work in a district that is so rich in diversity and dynamic educational programming,” said Osborne. “Together with the dedicated staff and Board of Education, I will keep an unwavering focus on providing a strong foundation for all students, supporting struggling learners, offering additional challenges and enhancement activities for advanced students, and better preparing all students for postsecondary success".