At its October 15 meeting, the Susquehanna Valley Central School District Board of Education unanimously agreed to appoint Joseph (Chris) Dyer as the new superintendent of schools. He will succeed retiring Superintendent Gerardo Tagliaferri. Under the board resolution, Dyer will take the helm at Susquehanna Valley effective January 5, 2015.
Photo courtesy of Press News Group.
Tagliaferri, initially slated to retire as of November 1, has agreed to the board’s request to continue to serve as superintendent through January 2, 2015, to assist in the transition for the new superintendent.
Tagliaferri, in February 2014, announced to the board his intention to retire after a career in education spanning three decades – the last 27 years at Susquehanna Valley. In April 2014, the board launched a thorough and deliberative search for a new school leader, with the assistance of Broome-Tioga BOCES District Superintendent Allen Buyck. During the search process, the board reviewed the credentials and experience of 15 applicants, and selected five for initial interviews. The board then identified two finalists, who were interviewed by several groups, including administrators, teachers, support staff, and parents. The candidates also had the opportunity to have lunch with a group of students. After the board interviewed the finalists a second time, they decided unanimously to offer the position to Dyer.
Dyer is currently serving in his fifth year as superintendent of the Tuckahoe Common School District, Southampton, NY. He has educational experience as an elementary, middle, and high school principal in New York and Virginia. Dyer previously served in Pennsylvania as superintendent of the Blue Ridge School District, New Milford. Dyer served in the United States Army, retiring as a Colonel, with multiple assignments with 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and appointments in the Pentagon.
“I am honored to serve the Susquehanna Valley Central School District as Superintendent of Schools,” said Dyer. “The opportunity to build strong relationships with students, families, and experienced administrative and instructional team members is a privilege. I look forward to listening to, learning from, and leading our community team members in providing the best possible service for all children. I intend to uphold the positive values that are the pride of Susquehanna Valley."