“I’ve been very busy trying to learn as much as possible and manage my transition smoothly and continue to move forward and I’m looking forward to the new school year,” he said.
Dragone took his position as superintendent on Aug. 4, replacing former interim superintendent Ray Coluccello. Colucciello will assume the position of interim superintendent at Voorheesville Central School District.
“I’m coming in after a fabulous job done by Dr. Colucciello. He kept the district on track and I’m glad to step in and pick up where he left off,” he said. “The biggest part of the challenge will be my successful transition into the district.”
Colucciello was appointed Superintendent of schools in 2005 on a per diem basis after former Superintendent John Grotto resigned from his position. For three years, Colucciello oversaw many projects, including an asbestos removal project at Milton Terrace and Wood Road schools, lengthening the school day for elementary schools, the implementation of sponsor-a-scholar, implementation of full day kindergarten, and most recently, the reconfiguration of elementary schools from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Dragone was previously assistant superintendent at Albany City School District, principal at Cohoes Middle School and assistant principal at Voorheesville Central School District. A music teacher by profession, Dragone said he didn’t start out his career with a goal to be a superintendent, but was always cultivating his leadership roles, he said.
“I had some wonderful mentors and had a lot of different experiences that have all played a part in where I am today,” he said. “Every experience shapes and guides us to where we are today.”
He received his undergraduate and Master’s degree from the College of St. Rose, and went on to receive another Master’s and Doctorate degree from University at Albany.
For the upcoming school year, Dragone has made goals for the school district which stem from the four core values: academic excellence, commitment to excellence, value and community involvement. According to off the mission of the district, the Ballston Spa School District is “committed to providing an excellent education that maximizes the potential of each student. In partnership with the family and community, our students will become responsible and well-rounded adults.”
Dragone stands by this mission and is looking forward to being a part of at the growing and changing community.
“With collaboration between the school district and the community, everyone will make sure we hold ourselves and our students to a high standard in Ballston Spa,” he said.
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