By Jessica Wasmund<br><a href="mailto:jessye.wasmund@journal-register.com">E-mail Jessica</a>
MEDINA — After months of searching, the Medina Board of Education finally announced the results of its most important decision of the year Wednesday — the new superintendent.
Neal Miller was voted in unanimously by the board, effective July 11, as the district’s new superintendent. Miller will receive a pro-rated salary of $145,000 for the remainder of the year.
“I want to thank you so much — everyone here tonight, for their great deal of support,” Miller said. “I am so excited and anxious to be a part of this community and school system. I just can’t be more thrilled.”
Board member Chris Keller said Miller is probably the “most vetted” candidate for a superintendent the school has ever seen.
Miller succeeds former Superintendent Richard M. Galante, who resigned last September after a state police investigation revealed that he had lied on his resume about working as a New York state trooper before earning his educational administrator’s license.
Galante, who had faced a felony charge that he had filed a false instrument, agreed in a plea deal to step down and had his sentence reduced to a misdemeanor Sept. 4, 2008. As long as Galante completed 60 hours of community service and was not arrested within six months, the charge against him would be dismissed.
Board member Virginia Nicholson said the board had a tremendous response to the superintendent vacancy.
“Our internal candidates were wonderful, and we were very fortunate with the pool that came forward,” Nicholson said. “We thank Albie (Suozzie, acting superintendent) and Al (Getter, director of financial services) for everything they’ve done in the past year to help keep this district afloat.”
Board President Sue Squires said the current members of the administration will be excellent support for Miller.
“I can tell you for sure the time these people have committed to the district over the past year — it’s been an incredible journey,” Miller said. “You have to have good direction at the top for everybody to follow.”
Board member Maureen Blackburn also offered her thanks toward the community for its involvement in the process.
“Throughout the entire process, even though it’s been long and tedious, we’ve heard what you said and tried to do what you felt would be a transparent process,” Blackburn said. “It is my sincere hope that we look forward to this being the stellar educational community we have all been a part of throughout the years.”
Miller was previously the High School Principal at Williamsville East for 14 years, and prior to that was a middle school principal at a small middle school in Idaho, a farming community he said is similar to Medina’s. Before that, he taught in southern California, so his experience ranges from urban to rural.
“My wife and I couldn’t be more excited about the prospect of going back to our roots,” Miller said. “We both grew up in a small town, and it’s something we’re looking forward to very much.”
Miller is originally from southern California, and is a graduate of Harvard University. He and his family plan to remain in Williamsville while his son finishes school.
“One of the most important things to me is listening to people, to learn about the culture of the community and school district,” Miller said. “From that, I will work with people to determine what kinds of things to bring; my focus will be on student achievement. It’s always the No. 1 reason why school officials do the things we do. I’m also very interested in extracurricular activities. I think a balance in the student’s life is what makes them better and a stronger person.”
