The Pittsford Central School District Board of Education accepted retirement letters from Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Melanie Ward, Allen Creek Elementary School Principal Michael Biondi, and Teacher Center Director Julie Barker at its December 12, 2023, meeting.
 

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Melanie Ward will retire from her position as of June 30, and then will be appointed as Deputy Superintendent to assist with these leadership transitions. She will stay on in this new role until December 2024. “Mrs. Ward has served in the District as principal of Mendon Center Elementary School and Assistant Superintendent,” said Superintendent Michael Pero. “Her gift for managing a multitude of committees and developing first class curriculum will be missed.”

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Biondi, Allen Creek Elementary School Principal, will assist with the transition of a new principal at the school with a final retirement date of October 2024. He will also be working on special projects and assisting with the mentorship of newer elementary school administrators. Prior to his long-standing role as principal of Allen Creek Elementary School, Biondi served as a teacher in the District and assistant principal at Mendon Center Elementary School. “Mr. Biondi is a beloved principal with a talent for leading with his heart,” said Superintendent Michael Pero. “We will miss his leadership style, enthusiasm for continuous improvement, and sense of humor.”

 

 

 

 

 

Teacher Center Director Julie Barker will be retiring effective July 1, 2023. Prior to becoming the Director of the Pittsford Teacher Center in 2007, she served as the Standards Leader for Elementary and Secondary Social Studies and taught Economics at Mendon and Sutherland High Schools from 2000-2007. Barker joined the District in 1995 as a social studies teacher at Pittsford Middle School. “Mrs. Barker’s talent for developing and leading professional development courses has been paramount in helping teachers and staff practice continuous improvement and excellence in their fields,” said Superintendent Pero.

 

 

 

“We have developed a succession plan around these three key positions,” said Superintendent Michael Pero. “Our retiring administrators will take a wealth of experience and expertise with them, so we want to create a solid transition that will put their replacements on good footing from the start. I am grateful that we will benefit during this transition period from the skills and talents of these leaders for mentorship, consultation and special projects.”