Amsterdam, NY — The Greater Amsterdam School District (GASD) is proud to join school districts across New York in celebrating School Board Recognition Week from October 14-18, 2024. This week is dedicated to honoring the commitment and leadership of our local school board members who play a critical role in the success of our schools and the future of our students.
“Strong schools are the heart of a strong community, and our board members are key to making sure our students have the tools they need to thrive,” said Superintendent Richard Ruberti. “These individuals volunteer countless hours, not only to attend meetings but to truly understand the needs of our district. Their work ensures that our schools are aligned with the community’s values and focused on providing the best education for all students.”
School board members are tasked with making decisions that directly impact student outcomes, school policies, and overall district success. They are responsible for:
Crafting and promoting a unified vision for the district’s future
Aligning district resources, programs, and policies with educational goals
Monitoring student performance to ensure high levels of achievement
Supporting a positive, inclusive culture for both students and staff
Evaluating the district’s leadership to encourage continuous growth and improvement.
Ruberti also emphasized that school boards provide an essential link between the community and the schools, ensuring that the district’s goals reflect the aspirations of the families and citizens they serve. “Our board members give the Greater Amsterdam community a voice in shaping the future of education. Their work isn’t just about meetings or policy—it’s about advocacy, leadership, and creating opportunities for our students to succeed.”
In recognition of their dedication, GASD will be hosting several events throughout the week to honor the board members for their tireless efforts. The members of our school board, along with their years of service, include:
Rev. Kent A. McHeard (President) – Term ends June 30, 2026
Lara Kulpa (Vice President) – Term ends June 30, 2025
Dr. Nellie A. Bush – Term ends June 30, 2026
JoMarie DiTata – Term ends June 30, 2025
Gavin W. Murdoch – Term ends June 30, 2027
Dennis P. Boice Jr. – Term ends June 30, 2027
Wendy Swezey – Term ends June 30, 2026
Kristi McGaffin (Clerk of the board)
Please join us in thanking our school board members for their leadership and commitment to the success of our students and schools. Let me know if you’d like to modify or expand any further!