Christopher R. Brown, 37, may be the youngest superintendent in West Genesee history, but he is no stranger to the title.
Brown, a Syracuse native, held the superintendent position at Hammondsport Central School in Hammondsport, NY for eight years. He joined the district in 1995 as a teacher of Math and Computer Science, and took advantage of opportunities that eventually lead to the superintendent post.
Brown knew he wanted to teach early on, but realized soon after entering the field that he wanted to be in an administrative position. Working as an administrator allows him to affect more students, Brown said.
He is very good at taking care of business, said Jim Zimar, president of the Hammondsport School Board. He is very much a leader.
Zimar said as a superintendent, Brown does not wait for problems to be brought to him, he seeks out places where improvements can be made.
Since Brown took charge of the district, buildings are in better shape, the auditorium and library underwent major renovations, and a new transportation facility was built, Zimar said.
Not to mention the work Brown did with taxpayers – he travelled to Albany with a group of residents several times to address legislators, said Zimar.
We will need several people to fill the hats Chris was wearing, Zimar said.
But work is not everything to Brown – he was also involved in little league and boy scouts in Hammondsport.
I’m laid back – I take my job seriously and myself lightly, Brown said.
Brown was selected to succeed Superintendent Joseph Proscia, who will be retiring in June after XX years at WG.
He brings with him his wife, Rachel, and sons Ben, an eighth grader, and Sam in the sixth grade. One thing he said he is most looking forward to is being close to family – his parents, siblings, and assorted extended family members live in the Syracuse area.
And although with any new job come some jitters, Brown said he is excited and enthusiastic.
His extensive experience with technology – he was teaching computer science in eighth grade – and knowledge of math will benefit the district, Brown believes.
My job is to come in and listen, to come in and learn, Brown said. I totally expect to earn the respect of the students, colleagues and community.
