Baldwinsville CSD Administrator Honored as Leader in Digital Education

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Richard (RJ) DeLisle

ALBANY, NY (03/26/2020) (readMedia)-- Richard (RJ) DeLisle, director of technology in the Baldwinsville Central School District, has been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Leader in Digital Education Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award recognizes a SAANYS member who has demonstrated exceptional, creative leadership in harnessing the potential of technology to further teaching and student achievement. The candidate will have demonstrated excellent organizational and communication skills in supporting and promoting such innovative digital practices for his/her learning community.

In his role as director of technology, DeLisle is often seen walking the halls of any one of the district's eight buildings to visit classrooms and test the technology, interact with teachers and students, and always asking himself the question, "What value does this add?" This hands-on approach has given him unique insight as to how best to integrate new and innovative technology needs into each classroom. Principal Alex Ewing commented on DeLisle's classroom visits, "As staff share openly their instructional needs, Mr. DeLisle not only offers words of encouragement and praise for implementing instructional creativity, but is right there in the trenches when necessary to troubleshoot and provide assistance to ensure positive experiences for teachers and students in the classroom."

During his tenure in the district, DeLisle has also been instrumental in reimagining the district's libraries into comprehensive learning centers. Seizing upon the vision of the Library Media Specialists, he facilitated the creation Learning Pods in some buildings where students and teachers can work collaboratively in a Google-like setting. Each library has been transformed by installing mobile furniture and technology, along with makerspaces, collaboration stations, Oculus Quest Virtual Reality headsets, esports, green screens, recording studios, 3D printing, and more. Commented Durgee Jr. High School Librarian Lindsay Cesari, "RJ demonstrates that great leaders are also great listeners. If you're an educator that likes to dream big and try new things, RJ is the perfect person to have in your corner. He's always been a vocal and persistent advocate for our library programs, allowing us, as educators, to innovate."

Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction Tony Cardamone commented, "RJ seeks not only to get the latest and greatest technology for students and teachers, he seeks to find technology to support learning and teaching. At his core, RJ is a teacher. His first love and passion is instruction."

Commented Deputy Superintendent Joseph M. DeBarbieri, "RJ demonstrates quality leadership and ongoing professional learning as he works to engage and cultivate the professional growth of teachers and leaders alike. He is hardworking and a team player. He is committed to working with others for the good of all students, which is necessary for success in any leadership role."

DeLisle received his associate of art and science from Paul Smith's College, his bachelor of science from Rochester Institute of Technology, his master of science in education 2000 from SUNY Oswego, and his certificate in advanced studies in educational administration from SUNY Cortland. He also earned National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

DeLisle will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony at a later date.

SAANYS represents nearly 8,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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