New Paltz Principal Honored as a NYS Middle School Principal of the Year

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Dr. Richard Wiesenthal

ALBANY, NY (04/03/2014)(readMedia)-- The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) have selected Dr. Richard Wiesenthal, principal at New Paltz Middle School, as a 2014 New York State Middle School Principal of the Year. This award is given annually to a member of SAANYS and NAESP who has set the pace, character, and quality of education for the children in his or her school. Nominees are administrators who are committed to students, parents, and the community and have shown exceptional contributions to the educational process.

Wiesenthal has been an administrator at New Paltz Middle School for the past 26 years, 24 as principal, in which time he has been credited for creating an environment emphasizing collaboration, communication, cooperation, and mutual respect. Said one parent, "I tell Rich that he will never know all the good that he has done, 26 years creates a lot of ripples in the pond. Together, we recognize him for who he is: vital, needed, and at the top of his profession."

A letter signed by 15 teachers at New Paltz Middle School said this about Wiesenthal's impact on the school's learning environment, "We are able to flourish and sustain because of the great leadership from our principal ... He values and respects our professionalism and need for support through both triumphant and challenging times, and everything in between."

Superintendent of Schools Maria Rice notes Wiesenthal's exceptional strength as an instructional leader as well. "Despite the past few years filled with federal and state mandates and requirements, that in many schools have practically crippled administrators and staff with anxiety and stress, Dr. Wiesenthal has been instrumental in keeping these frustrations at bay. With his leadership, the staff was able to incorporate the mandates and move forward with innovative educational practices that focused on high academic and social learning."

Wiesenthal received his bachelors of science degree from SUNY Potsdam, and his masters degree and doctorate degree in education from Fordham University.

Wiesenthal will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 9 at the Century House in Latham, New York. As the SAANYS and NAESP Middle School Principal of the Year, Wiesenthal will be celebrated as a National Distinguished Principal by NAESP at a recognition program sponsored by NAESP and VALIC this fall in Washington, DC.

SAANYS represents nearly 7,200 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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