The Monroe-Woodbury Board of Education appointed Dr. Tracy Norman as Deputy Superintendent at a Special Meeting on June 5, 2024. He will remain in this role until current Superintendent of Schools Elsie Rodriguez retires on August 31, 2024. Dr. Norman will take on the title of Superintendent of Schools on September 1, 2024.

Dr. Norman’s professional journey in education spans over two decades. He began his career as a sixth grade teacher in Montgomery Public Schools in Montgomery, AL. In 1998, he moved to NY and served as Elementary Assistant Principal at South Avenue Elementary School in Beacon. Dr. Norman joined the Lakeland Central School District in 2001, where he served as Assistant Principal, Principal, and in his most current role as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. 

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Alabama State University, Montgomery. He ultimately achieved a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. In addition, he earned a Master’s degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. 

Dr. Norman also has an extensive military background. He joined the Alabama Army National Guard as a Private First Class in 1989 and has served our nation in multiple conflicts, including Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also served in Operation Iraqi Freedom III as a Company Commander of 152 soldiers. Dr. Norman is currently active in the NJ Army National Guard, where he holds the rank of Colonel.

“I am excited to serve in this important role in Monroe-Woodbury and look forward to   connecting with students, families, and members of the Monroe-Woodbury community. Together, we will continue to foster an enriching and supportive educational environment that allows students and staff to flourish,” said Dr. Norman.

Dr. Norman and his family reside in Washingtonville, NY.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to congratulate Dr. Norman on his appointment as Deputy Superintendent. We are confident that his educational experience and military background will serve the Monroe-Woodbury community well. Throughout the interview process, he remained laser focused on providing exceptional educational experiences for all students. We are excited to see the impacts of his leadership and commitment during this new chapter of Monroe-Woodbury’s history,” said Michael Ciriello, Board of Education President.

The following information was shared at the Special Meeting of the Monroe-Woodbury Board of Education on April 18, 2024.

Update on Superintendent Search/Next Steps

As of the close of the application on 3/22/24, we had sixteen people apply for the position. 

The board has received the reports from District Wise (DW) regarding the survey results and the climate report from all interactions with stakeholders. 

DW has been vetting all candidates and conducting their own formal screenings and informal background checks. Our attorneys will conduct the final background checks. 

The board will meet with DW and they will present all applicants to us. Explanations will be given as to why each person was or was not selected. The goal is DW will put forth the top candidates based on the criteria that was put forth by the BoE and stakeholders.

The board will then conduct interviews with these candidates. All board members will be present. The interview questions will be formulated from the responses and feedback given by all stakeholders as to what they value and are seeking in the next superintendent. 

Once initial interviews have been conducted, the board will interview the final candidates. The cabinet, minus Mrs. Rodriquez, will sit in on these interviews in a listening capacity only. The cabinet will provide critical feedback as to positive and negative attributes of these candidates. The board will review and discuss.

Any decision made is the sole responsibility of the nine BoE members. 

We aim to have the new superintendent selected by the end of May with a special meeting to appoint. The projected start date for the new superintendent is July 1st, 2024. 

There will be a two month overlap with Superintendent Rodriguez, so this newly hired superintendent will begin with a title of Deputy Superintendent. On September 1, 2024, their title will change to Superintendent. 

The board would like the community to know that we are committed to selecting the most qualified candidate. We are thankful to all stakeholders that met with or sent emails to District Wise to provide valuable feedback. This input is guiding us to make a selection that aligns with Monroe-Woodbury’s mission statement and one that all stakeholders can stand behind!

The M-W School Board of Education extends its gratitude to all members of the school community who shared their insights via the online survey or email, participated in the public forum or a small group session, or have reached out personally. Your  insights and input are invaluable as we search for the best qualified superintendent candidate for the Monroe-Woodbury Central School District.

In the weeks to come, the Board will update this page with information as the superintendent search continues.

In January 2024, the Monroe-Woodbury Board of Education embarked upon a nationwide search for a new Superintendent of Schools. Finding the right leader going forward is critical to the future of our district and is a task M-W Board members take very seriously. Please stay tuned to this webpage for updates as the search unfolds.

The Board will take a thoughtful, multi-pronged approach to this search and will seek stakeholder input through a community survey, as well as in-person and virtual community sessions. Through these outreach tools, the Board hopes to better understand the qualifications and characteristics of the successful candidate who can most effectively meet the unique needs of this community and build on the strong foundation of high quality education for which Monroe-Woodbury is known.

A Superintendent Profile will be created, which will guide the search process, aid in the development of interview questions, support the search firm's recruitment of candidates, and ultimately help identify the successful candidate who is most qualified to lead the district today and in the future.

Together, we will inspire success based on a foundation of kindness, respect, honesty and integrity.

Retirement Announcement from Superintendent Elsie Rodriguez - 1/12/24

Message from Board of Education President Michael Ciriello regarding School Superintendent Search - 1/23/24