Ella Rossiter and Caroline Pierre
[Editor's Update: After the writing of this article, Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi was announced as the Nyack Board of Education's finalist for superintendent.]
Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi is currently the interim superintendent for Nyack Public Schools. She has been in the field of education for 28 years, initially as a teacher. From a very young age, she always saw herself teaching, and knew she wanted to work with kids. As a student, she struggled and often fell behind, but the teachers who believed in her stood out and solidified her desire to pursue a career in education. One of the things she loves most about education is human interaction. “You are in the people business,” Ruiz-Giovinazzi stated. Whether it’s teachers connecting with students or administrators supporting teachers and staff, she loves that her job involves the interacting with others.
Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi had a nontraditional path to her current position. She was hired at Nyack to be the assistant superintendent for curricular instruction, while simultaneously working towards achieving her doctorate at Fordham University in policy and administration. One focus of her studies was leaders of color working in predominantly white districts. This focus tied closely to the Nyack district, which drew her to Nyack. When the last superintendent left, Ruiz-Giovinazzi was appointed as interim superintendent.
Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi’s own school experiences have impacted her future vision for Nyack. “What you experience as a kid starts to become who you are,” said Giovinazzi. Passionate about becoming a teacher, she influenced by her school teachers. Her school strugglse inspire her to motivate students and teachers, make them feel like they belong here, and ensure they and have adequate and equal resources. She mentioned that teachers also have a major role in a child’s education, which is why she wants to make sure children experience good teachers. “This is a business where you can’t fake it till you make it; you have to be really committed to this role because you are touching the lives of students and families,” Ruiz-Giovinazzi explained.
Many Nyack families wonder what changes a new superintendent will make, there is the perception that the superintendent makes decisions alone. However, Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi does not. “You won’t bring change if you're doing it alone; it takes a team of people,” she said. Ruiz-Giovinazzi wants to continue to do the work with equity previous leaders began. Moreover, she wants to make sure that all kids experience school in the same way, and that the district is preparing kids to face the world. The goals for this year are ones the district implemented in collaboration with administration, and include continuing to support elementary education with good reading and math programs, as well as continuing the work of equity.
Dr. Ruiz-Ggiovinazzi stressed how Nyack is very special and different from other districts, “not only in race, but in thought, belief, and core values.” We wish her well as she continues in her current role.