SOUTH OTSELIC – A permanent replacement for superintendent of the Otselic Valley School District has been named. As of July 1, Richard Hughes, currently the principal and athletic director at the Delaware Academy and Central School in Delhi, will officially take over from Interim Superintendent Linda Taylor.
Taylor, who temporarily filled the position following former superintendent Larry Thomas’ acceptance of the district superintendent position at the Sullivan County BOCES, said she’s “confident” that area residents will “embrace the new superintendent with the same enthusiasm” she was shown.
“The board, staff and community members have made this experience very enriching and rewarding,” stated Taylor, who wished to thank the Board of Education for the five-month appointment. “For that I will always be grateful.”
Taylor said her “most difficult challenge” as the interim superintendent was the 2010-2011 budget process, due to Governor David A. Paterson’s proposed $328,389 in cuts, a 5.89 percent reduction in state aid, and added she was “pleased that the budget passed” and believed the new superintendent and the community can now “start out on a positive note with new leadership.”
Hughes, who first met with the OV Board of Education in May, said he’s “really excited to be a Viking and to be joining the Otselic Valley Central School District.”
“I got to meet a lot of the community and the district throughout the interview process,” stated Hughes, who added “as the first year is for any superintendent, it’s learning a feel for the district.”
Hughes said he expects to face continuing budget issues, and said he’s “in the same boat as all of the other surrounding superintendents.”
“I relish the opportunity to assist the students of the Otselic Valley School District in their educational pursuits,” stated Hughes, who added he plans on being “a visible and participating member of the school community.”
“I’m looking forward to that process,” he added.