North-by-Northwest Orange: Wallkill, Mount Hope, Minisink and Greenville New York Blog

Here’s more from my conversation with new Minisink Valley superintendent Jack Latini, who takes over for Martha Murray on July 1:

On the most important attribute a superintendent needs:

“Being trustworthy, whether you’re a principal, superintendent, or in any leadership position. You have to maintain your integrity by keeping your word.”

What his vision is for Minisink Valley:

“I’m a believer that technology has to play an integral part in the education of our students. I’m looking to build a lot on the technology we’ve introduced in the district.”

On how he plans to deal with the contract stalemate between the district and its teachers:

“I guess to deal with it as fairly and honestly and openly as I can.”

On the challenges facing public school education:

“We’ve got to continue to be creative in being able to motivate our kids and keep them interested in the things they need to function once they leave school.”

“We can attract their interest by connecting what they learn in the classroom to what’s going on with their daily lives.”

“This Race To The Top program…I worry. I want to be sure that educators are allowed to be heard loud and clear by legislators who are making changes.”

On his five-month suspension during the 2006-07 school year for not immediately turning in drugs that were confiscated from a high school student, violating district policy:

“I made a mistake, but it was one done with no malicious intent whatsoever. So while I recognize the district needed to take action, I didn’t suffer in my conscience that I had done something wrong. The district did what it felt it neeed to do and I respect that.”

On what he looks for in future district employees – starting with the three administrative positions he must fill, including his old job:

“I look at the heart and the head. People with skill, intelligence. who are good studies. I look for people who have good character, who in their dealings with other people demonstrate the values of our community and our society. Moral people.”

“People who love kids. There are going to be positions in a (district) office which won’t have much interactions with kids, but they’ve got to be about kids. You’ve got to be passionate about kids.”