Washingtonville staff kicks off new school year with focus on students

Washingtonville Central School District faculty and staff came together Tuesday morning to kick off the 2026-27 school year during the District’s annual opening Superintendent’s Conference Day.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Larry Washington welcomed employees back to Washingtonville High School ahead of students’ return Wednesday. Throughout the morning, a common message emerged around the role every staff member plays in shaping students’ experiences.

Board of Education President Sharon Williams built her remarks around a question from New York City educator Frank Mickens that she has carried with her since beginning her own career in education: “Whose kids? Our kids.”

“This is still my district, and those kids are my kids,” Ms. Williams said, explaining that her connection to the District remains even after her son’s graduation last year. “Whatever I do, it’s for them. It’s for their purpose.”

Ms. Williams offered staff a top 10 list for a successful school year, mixing humor with reminders to give themselves and students grace, celebrate small wins, lean on one another and recognize the difference they can make for a student.

“Whenever possible, choose connection before correction,” she said. “It’s not about the discipline. It’s about the connection you have with that young person. It’s about relationships. That’s what they will remember more than anything else.”

Representatives from the District’s employee groups also welcomed staff back, including Washingtonville Teachers Association President Anthony Finocchio, Washingtonville Civil Service Employees Association President Preston Davis and new Washingtonville Administrators Association President Christine Williams.

Christine Williams reflected on the many people students encounter throughout their education and the lasting role each can play in their lives. 

“No matter what your responsibility is here in Washingtonville, you are impacting the lives of the next generation,” she said. “Everything we do here, from the tiny details to the bird’s-eye view, is all important.”

Dr. Washington returned to that idea with a reminder of what a single interaction with a student can mean.

After sharing the well-known story of Teddy Stallard, he brought the message closer to home with a video of Class of 2026 graduate Peyton Padilla reading an essay she recently wrote about English teacher Brian Bacher. Peyton described how Mr. Bacher taking the time to acknowledge a thoughtful piece of her writing made a lasting difference in her life.

“For me as an educator, that is the piece that you sign up for,” Dr. Washington said, reminding staff that the student experience is shaped by moments and interactions like those.

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Lynn Imperato then welcomed the District’s newest employees, with at least 50 new staff members joining Washingtonville over the summer.

“Today is always exciting,” Ms. Imperato said. “It’s an opportunity to see old friends and welcome new colleagues and hopefully new friends as well.”

Employees celebrating milestone years of service were also recognized.

Washingtonville High School received the District’s Best in Show Award, with Dr. Washington highlighting work completed throughout the building and its new athletic facilities.

The District’s music teachers received the Best Customer Service Award in recognition of their work across Washingtonville’s schools and the many hours that go into performances and programs behind the scenes.

For staff, the morning also brought the familiar excitement of returning to their schools and preparing to welcome students.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the new students that come in and seeing the old students,” said WHS Teacher Aide Pattiann Randazzo, who is also excited to see students experience the District’s new athletic fields.

“I can’t wait to watch a game on that,” Ms. Randazzo said. “I’m a Wizard myself. I graduated in ’85, so it’s just always home to me.”

WHS English teacher Matthew Anastasi is taking on a new challenge this year as he assumes leadership of BGTV, the school’s student-run news channel.

“I’m excited,” Mr. Anastasi said. “Got a couple new challenges coming down the pipeline, so we’re ready to get back to work.”

With staff back in their buildings and classrooms, Washingtonville is ready to welcome students and begin another school year Wednesday.

View the Superintendent's Conference Day photo gallery here.