Jacobson honors Newburgh School Superintendent

By CLOEY CALLAHAN
Posted 4/21/21

On Wednesday, April 14, Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson, who attended the H through 12 at the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, presented Dr. Roberto Padilla, superintendent of the district, …

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Jacobson honors Newburgh School Superintendent

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On Wednesday, April 14, Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson, who attended the H through 12 at the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, presented Dr. Roberto Padilla, superintendent of the district, with an Assembly proclamation to honor his leadership and mark his being named 2021 New York State Superintendent of the Year by the New York State Council of School Superintendents.

The news of Padilla’s award came at the end of last year, and it wasn’t the first time leaders in the school district were recognized on a state and national level. Over the last seven years, there has also been a New York State Teacher of the Year and a National CTE Teacher of the Year.

“We’re recognized because we have phenomenal talent in our district, the kind of talent that goes above and beyond, the kind of talent that is absolutely committed, and the kind of talent that loves our scholars,” said Padilla at the press conference.

Padilla is the first superintendent to ever be awarded New York State Superintendent of the Year from Orange County and the upper mid-Hudson region. Back in 2019, Padilla was selected as one of Education Week’s National Leaders to Learn From for his “visionary leadership on equity and inclusive excellence.”

“What the council recognized is something we knew all along,” said Jacobson when presenting Padilla the proclamation. “We know Dr. Padilla is a man of exceptional leadership, someone who never takes no for an answer, and someone who is never satisfied with what he’s accomplished. The Newburgh Enlarged City School District should recognize more often what has been accomplished here.”

Although Jacobson covers five other school districts within his Assembly district, it is clear to him that the Newburgh Enlarged City School District is a model for how other districts should operate as he is “always telling them to look to Newburgh.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the district has stepped up to the plate to continue to go above and beyond to serve its community. For example, they have given out over one million meals to families in need, while “taking away the stigma of getting those lunches.” COVID-19 aside, the district has also set other standards, like full-time pre-k, which other districts don’t do.

“Newburgh is looking to expand it to even younger years because as we know, the sooner a child gets into the education system, the better the outcome and possibilities later in life,” said Jacobson.

Jacobson highlighted other aspects of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, including its P-Tech program, “where students graduate with an associate’s degree from high school,” and Padilla’s efforts to bridge the gap in the digital divide by providing hotspots to those in need.

Newburgh Enlarged City School District board members were also in attendance at the event and extended their sentiments to Padilla.

“One of our vision statements is ‘through the work of all’” said Carole Mineo, president of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District School Board. “But there needs to be one leader, who’s not afraid to go out in front and do the work, roll up their sleeves and take the kudos and the criticisms and do it. That’s our leader. This is a great honor for not only Dr. Padilla but all of our district.”

Padilla echoed the same back to the board, highlighting the work they have all done.

“Among the talent here is a board of education who gets it and are real stewards in our community and help,” said Padilla. “These are not the kind of board members who sit on the sidelines. They are the kind of board members who ask the tough questions and also ask what supports are needed to meet ambitious goals.”