Niskayuna Welcomes Interim Superintendent Dr. Juliette Pennyman

Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Juliette Pennyman is fitting in well at Niskayuna. Judging from her experiences at Niskayuna thus far, Pennyman is in a solid place to continue her work and pass the torch in early 2022.

After speaking with Pennyman, it is evident that she wants what is best for teachers, administrators, and especially students. While leading Niskayuna, she plans to focus on “improving communication and transparency”, by publishing a newsletter for the community and providing monthly Capital Project updates. Niskayuna High School Principal John Rickert remarked that Pennyman is an administrator who “values the learning community and is fully invested in what is best for our district.”

One specific subject that Pennyman spoke deeply about was the importance of providing equity for students within the district, and how each student must be seen as an individual. “Our goal as educators is to make sure that students are successful,” she said, emphasizing that this does not mean taking resources away from other students, but instead that all students need different things to succeed.

Senior and Student Representative to the Board of Education Maya Gerstenbluth reflected upon her experiences with the new Superintendent. “[Dr. Pennyman] has gone out of her way to both work and meet with me,” she said. Through her role with the Board, Gerstenbluth had a positive relationship with the prior Superintendent, Dr. Cosimo Tangorra, and was sad to see him leave, as she was looking forward to working with him again this year. However, Gerstenbluth is optimistic about the future, noting it has been a good transition so far.

Rickert discussed his ideas for what the next Superintendent should focus on. In mentioning the importance of programs currently in place and resources available to students at Niskayuna High School specifically. Rickert said about these programs, “Right now mental health is a big factor, and student support is a big factor...I would put facilities for music, art, and athletics in there as a big need.” While he acknowledged that those programs were included in the Capital Project plans as well, he made it clear that those resources need to be in place for students.

Although Pennyman is only here for the short term, it is clear from her passion and positivity that Niskayuna made a great decision. “I just wanted to be a part of a district where education is important to them and mirrors my philosophy of lifelong learning.”