By Melanie Lekocevic
Capital Region Independent Media
GREENVILLE — The Greenville Central School District will have new leadership beginning March 7.
The board of education on Jan. 3 appointed Michael Bennett, currently assistant superintendent in the Schodack Central School District, as the Greenville district’s new superintendent.
“Mike Bennett possesses outstanding experience as a teacher and administrator and we believe that he has all the skills necessary to continue moving our school district forward,” Greenville Board of Education President Tracy Young said. “Mr. Bennett was chosen from among a highly competitive pool of 26 individuals who expressed interest in the superintendent’s position.”
“We conducted the search through a collaborative process and are very thankful for the time and commitment from all the stakeholder committees in helping to inform our selection of Mr. Bennett,” Young continued.
Bennett will replace current District Superintendent Tammy Sutherland, who is retiring after 36 years with the district, having served in several roles.
“During her many years of service, our school has benefited tremendously from her roles as treasurer, assistant superintendent for business and superintendent,” according to an Aug. 10 letter from the board of education announcing Sutherland’s retirement Feb. 1. “While her accomplishments are too numerous to list, one has only to look at the campus to see how a vision can be transformed into reality.”
Sutherland was appointed superintendent in 2016 after serving as an interim following the retirement of former superintendent Cheryl Dudley in fall 2015. Prior to her appointment as interim superintendent, Sutherland was the district’s assistant superintendent for business.
The district launched a national search for Sutherland’s replacement in September, hiring the education consulting firm Castallo & Silky, LLC, to aid the district in finding her replacement. The search included input from teachers, staff, families and community members, along with the board of education, including a questionnaire identifying what the community would like to see in a new superintendent.
Bennett’s hiring was announced on the district website Jan. 2, one day prior to his official appointment by the board of education Jan. 3.
“Mike impressed us as the type of individual who puts students first and has the ability to develop strong relationships with the students, school staff and the community,” Board of Education Vice President Jay Goodman said. “We anticipate him becoming an active member of the Greenville community.”
Bennett has been assistant superintendent for school administration in the Schodack Central School District for the past eight years. During his tenure with the district, he also served as middle school principal from 2008 to 2012. He was also a special education teacher in the East Greenbush district from 1998 to 2006.
“I appreciate the confidence that the Greenville Board of Education has shown in me,” Bennett said. “I look forward to becoming a part of the Greenville school district and working with the team to continue the district’s growth.”
The Schodack district bid Bennett farewell on the district’s website and said he will remain in his position as assistant superintendent in Schodack until he transitions into the Greenville post March 7.
“The entire district congratulates Mr. Bennett on his well-deserved next step in his professional journey,” according to the Schodack district. “He will be missed by all who have had the pleasure to know and work with him in Schodack. Greenville has chosen a talented and dedicated leader in Mr. Bennett. He has done many great things for the students and staff of Schodack during his tenure here. We know he will do the same for Greenville.”
Bennett has a bachelor of arts degree in U.S. History from SUNY Albany and a master of science degree in special education from The College of Saint Rose. He presently lives in Castleton, NY.
