By Melanie Lekocevic
Capital Region Independent Media
RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS Board of Education announced on its website that District Superintendent Dr. Brian Bailey’s contract has concluded and will not be renewed.
The district plans to begin the search for a new superintendent in the coming weeks.
The announcement comes as Bailey’s current contract will expire at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
No reason was given for the decision not to renew the contract. The issue was not raised during the Dec. 11 meeting of the board of education, but board members did go into executive session — which is closed to the public — twice to discuss employment matters. The board did not state who the individual under discussion was; personnel matters are deemed private under state law.
The board’s announcement on the website ran on Dec. 18.
“We would like to take this opportunity to recognize Dr. Bailey’s longstanding service to our district and inform the community that the board will soon begin the process of selecting our next leader,” the board said in the statement.
Bailey came to the district in 2010 as the high school principal before moving into district-level positions. He was appointed superintendent by a unanimous vote of the RCS board and assumed the post in 2017.
“Since joining our district in 2010, Dr. Bailey has been a champion for RCS and an integral part of our community,” according to the board’s statement. “He has served in multiple roles, including high school principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and superintendent. Dr. Bailey has been a stabilizing force for the district during uncertain times, and his leadership has made a lasting impact.
“We are grateful for his commitment to our students, staff and community, and we wish him the very best in whatever adventures await him next.”
Bailey could not immediately be reached for comment Friday.
The district will next begin the search for a new superintendent.
“We recognize the importance of the work that must be done over the coming months, and our goal is to ensure a smooth transition as we select the next superintendent who will guide RCS into the future,” the board stated. “This process will be thorough and transparent, with opportunities for community input.”