Dear Putnam Valley Community:
On Thursday evening, it is expected that the Board Of Education will appoint Dr. Jeremy Luft as the next Superintendent of the Putnam Valley School District. As explained in the letter from your Board of Education on 2/14/19, the Board thought it prudent to seek the consultation services of the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES’ Superintendent who regularly facilitates the recruiting, interviewing and hiring of superintendents for local districts. Dr. Ryan and his team know this district well, appreciate the unique qualities of this community and support the success of our students and staff.
As I complete my sixth year as your Superintendent I too, know, appreciate and value this community and remain committed to the future success of the district.
In bringing Dr. Luft to the district two years ago, I had already formed an appreciation for his abilities as demonstrated in his astute contributions to the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Regional Curriculum Council which consists of district leaders from across the region. He is well respected and seen as an expert in many areas by his peers. At the time I met Dr. Luft, I did not realize he had attended the Putnam Valley schools. It was only after he applied for the position of Director of Curriculum that I learned about his connection to Putnam Valley. Dr. Luft’s well regarded experience as a teacher and District leader in other districts, his ability to collaborate productively with colleagues, along with his special gifts in the area of science and STEM made him a great fit for this district. In our District office, we have found Dr. Luft to be alert to fiscal accountability, approachable, supportive, and responsive to challenges. His empathy, warmth and sense of humor are critical to success in an educational setting. In fact, Dr. Luft’s first focus when he came to Putnam Valley was to build relationships and foster innovative thinking about curriculum and instruction. These qualities and his deep-rooted commitment to the community are precious gifts to grant to the District, and I am excited for the future of Putnam Valley.
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback and participated in the BOCES focus groups. The themes identified during the meetings helped the Board confirm the strengths and challenges of our district. The hiring process verified for me and the Putnam Valley Board of Education that Dr. Luft and I share a vision for the district’s future that includes high expectations and advancing opportunities for our students.
Please join us this Thursday for a meet and greet reception beginning at 6:00 pm in the High School Library. Next Thursday, March 7, Dr. Luft will host a Listening Hour just prior to our next Board of Education Meeting, 5:45 to 6:45 pm, in our High School Library.
Sincerely,
Dr. Frances Wills
Superintendent of Schools