Earlier this month, the South Colonie Board of Education selected Dr. Perry as the candidate of choice to serve as the next Superintendent of Schools. The decision is expected to be finalized at the upcoming board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Perry will step into the role with nearly two decades of experience with the district–most recently serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Human Resources, Safe Schools & IT since 2014.
Perry began his career with South Colonie Central School District in 1997 and has worked in various capacities during his tenure. He first served as a mathematics teacher, then associate principal at the high school. Perry has also been the principal at both Lisha Kill and Sand Creek Middle Schools.
The selection of Dr. Perry is the result of a comprehensive state-wide search conducted by the Board of Education with the assistance of Capital Region BOCES. The search produced a pool of nearly 20 qualified applicants from diverse geographic and professional backgrounds.
“We are extraordinarily pleased with the outcome of this search process. In the end, Dr. Perry proved himself to be the best fit to carry forward the vision of South Colonie. His track record of helping to drive success over the past 23 years, along with his passion for working with students, staff, and families of our community, demonstrates his capability to succeed in this new role,” said board president Edward Sim.
“I am honored to have been selected by the Board of Education,” Perry said. “I am grateful to serve in this new position and to work collaboratively alongside the talented administration and staff. By working as a team with a ‘students-first’ mindset, we will continue to move our district in a positive direction and to improve the educational outcomes for all of our students.”
Perry earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Siena College, a Master’s in Education from the College of Saint Rose, a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Policy and Leadership from the State University at Albany and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Walden University. He holds the following NYS certifications: Mathematics 7-12, School Administrator and Supervisor, and School District Administrator.
He will begin his new assignment on Mar. 1 and will replace the current Superintendent of Schools Jonathan Buhner. Buhner is slated to retire the end of February.