Matthew Reilly, current superintendent of the Clinton Central School District, was unanimously appointed the next superintendent of schools for Cazenovia by the Cazenovia Board of Education during its Feb. 24 meeting.
Reilly has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Colgate University and received his CAS degree from Syracuse University. He started his career as a secondary social studies teacher in Madison Central School District for nine years, then became a secondary social studies teacher in the Hamilton Central School District for 11 years. From 2007 to 2009 he served as dean of students in the Hamilton district, and from 2009 to 2011 served as the middle school principal in the Clinton school district. From 2011 to the present he has served as the superintendent of the Clinton Central School District.
Reilly, who was present at the Feb. 24 board meeting announcing his appointment, called it “an incredible honor and trust” to be chosen, and said Cazenovia “is truly one of the great districts in New York state. The commitment, caring and pride of everyone I have encountered make me all the more eager to accept this opportunity and challenge. I am so happy to be part of the family here.”
Reilly was chosen after a seven-month total process that began last July after Superintendent Robert Dubik announced his intention to retire at the end of the current school year. The school board advertised the superintendent position throughout October and November and received 18 applications from candidates both in and out of New York state.
In January, the board winnowed its list of candidates from 18 to six individuals, and, after interviewing those six, in early February chose the final three. Those top three candidates then toured the district, met with community stakeholders and were interviewed by community members, district administrators, teachers, non-instructional employees, students and the board of education. The board then selected Reilly for the position.
“We had three tremendous finalists for the job,” said BOE President Patrick Vogl. “It was a tough decision. But based on our interviews and extensive vetting process, in addition to the feedback we received from our stakeholder groups, we felt Matt Reilly was just the person to take us in the right direction. He has remarkable vision, he’s a great communicator and, as a former Clinton board member told me, he’s an ‘educator’s superintendent.’”
Reilly will officially begin his tenure in Cazenovia on July 1 for an initial three-year term at a salary of $140,000. He will succeed outgoing Superintendent Robert Dubik, who will retire on June 30.
“I’m excited the board has found a replacement now, because it gives us time for a smooth transition,” said Dubik, who has been superintendent since 2004. “That was why I announced my retirement back in June, and I’m delighted that board members were able to use that time to find the perfect fit for Cazenovia.”
Sometime within the next 30 days, the school board plans to hold a community meet and greet for Reilly, although no specific details of that have been worked out yet, Vogl said.
Between now and July 1 — when Reilly will still be the Clinton district superintendent — Reilly will coordinate his transition to Cazenovia by meeting and talking with Dubik and Assistant Superintendent Bill Furlong, said Vogl. Reilly plans to be a visible presence in Cazenovia during the next four months as well, and, for example, plans to attend the high school drama club’s performance of “Beauty and the Beast” next week, Vogl said.
Jason Emerson is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at [email protected].
