Dr. Raymond Colucciello will continue on as interim superintendent of the Greater Amsterdam School District for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year while the district looks for a permanent successor.

The Board of Education agreed on Jan. 15 to extend Colucciello’s contract through June 30 while the superintendent’s search process moves forward. Colucciello was originally appointed interim superintendent from April 1, 2019 to March 30, 2020. The board’s latest action means he will stay on in that role for three additional months.

He replaced Vicma “Vicky” Ramos who left Amsterdam last spring for a new position of district superintendent for the Wayne-Finger Lakes Board of Cooperative Education Services. Ramos served as GASD superintendent for about two and a half years.

Colucciello, a veteran school administrator, served as interim superintendent for numerous districts before coming to Amsterdam, including Fonda-Fultonville, Albany, Troy, Ballston Spa and Voorheesville. He also served as the Schenectady City School District superintendent from 1993 to 2001. His career in education spans nearly 60 years, extending well beyond his original “retirement” 27 years ago.

Colucciello said he will continue to work with Amsterdam administrators and staff towards increasing student success by focusing efforts on attendance improvement, parent engagement, increased resources, and maintaining a focus on the whole student.

Meanwhile, the GASD Board of Education officially launched the search for a new superintendent of schools in early January. The deadline for candidates to apply for the position is Feb. 20.

HFM BOCES District Superintendent Dr. David Ziskin is working with the school board as a consultant during the search process. The goal is to have the next superintendent in place by the summer.