Warwick Valley School Board appoints new superintendent

WARWICK — The Warwick Valley School Board appointed Dr. David Leach as superintendent of schools at its meeting on Jan. 23.

Leach, 43, joined the district in September as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instructional services. He will begin work in his new role in July upon the retirement of Dr. Raymond Bryant.

He has agreed to a five-year contract with the Board of Education and will earn $188,000 annually.

'Clear and unanimous choice'
“Dr. Leach clearly distinguished himself from the other candidates with his emphasis and track record on prioritizing student achievement and effective instructional practices as the foremost goals of the district,” Lynn Lillian, the school board's vice president, said in the district's press release announcing the appointment. “He has a keen understanding of teaching, learning and what works for students.”

School Board President said Leach was the board’s “clear and unanimous choice.”

“Dr. Leach shared a clear vision of the district’s instructional model,” Eaton added. “He has a plan to support our personnel and schools in making that model operational.”

Leach was chosen from a field of candidates following a selection process that included screening by a selection committee, performance during a focus group forum and individual interviews with the board.

“I believe Dr. Leach’s drive, goal-setting, accountability and high expectations will serve our district well,” added board member Keith Parsons.

Curriculum vitae
Leach has been an educator for the past 18 years, serving as a teacher, principal and central administrator working primarily in Rockland County.

Prior to joining Warwick Valley School District, Leach was employed in the Ramapo Central School District as the principal of Cherry Lane Elementary School.

Under his leadership, the school garnered both state and national recognition for its accomplishments. It was named a “Reward School” by the New York State Education Department for sustained, significant progress on state assessments and received the National Blue Ribbon Award.

Previously, Leach held administrative positions in Nanuet, serving as the director of assessment/evaluation and assistant principal.

While in Nanuet, he worked primarily in the George W. Miller School, also a past recipient of the National Blue Ribbon School Award.

He taught for seven years in the North Rockland School District.

Leach earned his administrative certification from Long Island University and his doctorate in educational leadership from Fordham University. He also serves as an adjunct professor of education at Long Island University.

'No time to be complacent'
“I am honored and humbled to serve as the next Superintendent of Schools," Leach said in the press release. "Warwick Valley Central School District is well known throughout the county as a premier school district.

"With that said, I recognize that now is not the time for us to become complacent," he added. "We must continue to support the delivery of 21st Century skills. Under my leadership, you can anticipate an increased emphasis on quality instruction and the intellectual engagement of our students.

"We will enhance our curriculum, move toward a more balanced approach to student assessment, integrate technology into the curriculum and further refine student services. The future certainly remains a bright one for our students and I am excited to get to work in my new role," Leach concluded.

Leach and his wife Jennifer reside in Cornwall-on-Hudson with their two school-age sons.