After 18 years as second-in-command of the Cazenovia Central School District, Assistant Superintendent Bill Furlong has resigned his position in order to make a lateral job transfer to the North Colonie Central School District in Latham, N.Y.
Furlong was appointed assistant superintendent of business for the North Colonie district at a special meeting of its Board of Education on June 1. His resignation was officially accepted by the Cazenovia Board of Education at its June 15 regular monthly meeting.
“I’ve been here in Cazenovia for 18 years, and when this opportunity presented itself it was too good to pass up,” Furlong said. “It’s just time for a new adventure.”
Prior to working at Cazenovia, Furlong spent 15 years working in the private sector as a cost accountant, accounting supervisor and controller. For the past 13 years, simultaneous to holding his position in Cazenovia school district, Furlong also served as an adjunct professor at SUNY Cortland in the Graduate Educational Leadership Program, as a member of the Board of Governors of the New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal, executive director of the OCM BOCES Health Insurance Trust and executive director of the OCM BOCES Workers’ Compensation Consortium.
“I believe that Mr. Furlong will be a huge asset to North Colonie,” said Superintendent Joseph Corr. “He has the technical skills and vast experience to do this job. Moreover, he has a commitment to public education and the mission of public schools. This combination of school business acumen and belief in the power of education to transform lives will make him an outstanding addition to our Central Office team.”
Furlong said he is proud of the accomplishments that have been made at Cazenovia during his 18-year tenure, especially all the improvements that have been made to facilities and operations. To know that last week, shortly before he leaves, Cazenovia was ranked as the third-best school district in the entire state is also a source of pride.
“It’s been great to be part of such a high-achieving school district, not only academically but also in the other programs we offer our students,” he said. “It’s been great to have our three children attend and graduate form such a fine school district, and it’s been a privilege to work with all the good people, both past and present, within Cazenovia.”
At the Cazenovia school board meeting on June 15, Furlong received accolades, well wishes and goodbyes from board members and the superintendent.
“You’re going to be missed tremendously,” said BOE President Pat Vogl. “It will be tough to replace you — those are big shoes to fill.”
“Bill has been fantastic in my transition into Cazenovia,” said Superintendent Matt Reilly, who is currently completing his first year as leader of the district. “It’s not just his business acumen, but also his institutional knowledge — he knows so much. …I’ve learned so much and I appreciate his friendship. …I’m certain you’ll be successful.”
Furlong’s last day at Cazenovia will be July 14 after which he will begin his new position in North Colonie on or about July 15.
Jason Emerson is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at [email protected].
