Dear Putnam Valley Community:
Based on my recommendation to the Board of Education, it is anticipated that Travis McCarty will be appointed to the position of Putnam Valley Middle School Principal on February 9, 2017. This appointment will be effective July 1, 2017. As you know, Mr. Hallisey, will be retiring after 36 years with the Putnam Valley School District, effective June 30, 2017.
After an extensive and thorough hiring process, which began with 100 applicants, screening interviews of seven candidates and then thorough interviews of three finalists with a committee representing staff, parents, and members of the Board of Education, I had more than sufficient evidence to support my recommendation of Mr. McCarty for this critical position.
As a teacher, administrative intern, and assistant principal, Mr. McCarty has demonstrated the characteristics needed to succeed as a principal who will lead our District effectively as we work toward developing students with the capacity to fully engage in meeting twenty-first century challenges in college or career.
Mr. McCarty has strong beliefs about respecting all students and diversity of thought and culture. He focuses on student and staff voices and needs. During the interview process, staff provided evidence of his adherence to these principles by recounting the time he spends listening to staff and talking and interacting with students in informal and formal ways throughout the day.
It is clear that Mr. McCarty has his own vision for school success and is eager to obtain feedback that will help the school to improve its responsiveness to student needs. During the interview, Mr. McCarty referred with enthusiasm to the “Schools to Watch” evaluation process and the staff and community involvement in this rigorous review of the school. He is eagerly awaiting the report of the evaluation so that the information gleaned from the feedback will generate a template for improvement that he and his staff can utilize to inform a vision and strategy for change.
Mr. McCarty is a reflective, curious and caring leader, who sees each student and staff member as a valued individual to be supported in the quest to “get better.” During his participation in the Bank Street Future School Leaders Academy, he engaged with twenty-three cohort members who served in districts throughout Westchester and Putnam County. He has made site visits to several middle schools of distinction, and this spring, to inform his vision and planning for our district, he will visit other middle schools that have been recognized for their outstanding educational programs.
I feel strongly that Mr. McCarty has earned this recommendation through his commitment to students, staff, community and his continued passion for learning to facilitate success for all.
Sincerely,
Dr. Frances Wills
Superintendent of Schools