Ryder welcomes Mr. Spicer as interim principal

Ryder welcomes Mr. Spicer as interim principal
This is the image for the news article titled Ryder welcomes Mr. Spicer as interim principalWhen Jerry Spicer began his first day of work Monday, Jan. 6, as interim principal at Ryder Elementary, he immediately was impressed by the kindness of the staff, the warm welcome from students and, of course, the hilltop view of the Cobleskill Valley.

“My first impression is, it’s beautiful here,” Mr. Spicer said. “What’s not to like?”

Mr. Spicer, who has worked in education for nearly four decades, will be serving as the interim principal at Ryder through June, while Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District conducts a search to fill the position on a permanent basis.

He joins C-RCSD after having completed interim principal assignments in both the Schoharie and Middleburgh districts. Before that, Mr. Spicer spent 30 years as an administrator in Albany, including a 25 years as principal at Philip Schuyler Elementary in the City School District of Albany.

Mr. Spicer’s leadership experience also includes a term as president of the Capital Area Principals and Supervisors Association. And he has coached football and track & field, among other sports, at both the high school and collegiate levels.

“We’re so pleased to welcome Mr. Spicer to our district’s leadership team,” said C-RCSD Superintendent Carl Mummenthey. “He brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Ryder Elementary School. He’ll provide very capable leadership while we search for a permanent successor.”

As Mr. Spicer begins his assignment at Ryder taking over for Kevin Kelly, who accepted a district administrative position at Cooperstown Central School, he plans to spend time observing and meeting with faculty, staff and students. 

His goal will be to provide a smooth leadership transition.

“My goal is to follow what’s already going on,” he said. “I’m not looking to disrupt the status quo. I’d like to make everyone feel comfortable. I’m here to be supportive of everyone.”