Roy-Hart to name new school superintendent today
Press Release, Roy-Hart Central School
Dr. Hank Stopinski
MIDDLEPORT – The Royalton-Hartland Board of Education will have a special meeting today to appoint Dr. Henry (Hank) Stopinski as the district’s next superintendent of schools.
Dr. Stopinski has served for the past eight years as the Founding Principal/Head of Schools at the Health Sciences Charter Schools in Buffalo, where he has been responsible for all aspects of governance, budget, capital projects and curriculum development.
“I am pleased to be selected as the next superintendent of Royalton-Hartland schools,” Stopinski said. “It has a rich history and a community that believes in a focus on college and career readiness. As superintendent, I will strive to build solid relationships with the community and work collaboratively with the Board of Education, teachers and staff. I look forward to be an active member of the community and participating in the rich traditions that exist in the school district.”
Prior to working at the Health Sciences Charter Schools in Buffalo, Stopinski served seven years as the Director of Career and Technical Education at the Capital Region BOCES in Albany, and nine years as Director of the River Valley Technical Center in Springfield, Vermont.
He has extensive teaching experience as a secondary science teacher, agricultural education teacher and adjunct professor at Vermont Technical College.
Stopinski was recognized as a national Young Teacher of Agriculture, led a national FFA delegation to Russia and created a community based agricultural program that earned national recognition. He has been recognized for his youth leadership as a basketball and track coach, FFA advisor, Scout leader and member of his church.
Stopinski earned his Bachelor and Master of Education degrees from Castleton State College, in Castleton, Vermont. He later earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from NOVA Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He holds a permanent certification as a New York State School District Administrator.
Dr. Clark J. Godshall, District Superintendent for the Orleans-Niagara BOCES, facilitated the search process in conjunction with the Royalton-Hartland Central School Board of Education for an individual to replace current Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Roger Klatt, who is retiring in June.
“We started with 21 applicants, then narrowed the field to 3 finalists,” said Sara Fry, president of the Roy-Hart Board of Education. “The input from the stakeholders who participated in the interview process was a guiding factor in the selection of Dr. Stopinski as the new superintendent. His diverse educational background and commitment to overall higher standards will be an asset to our district. In addition, his collaborative leadership style and previous experiences will benefit all our students, personnel and parents. I hope everyone will join me in welcoming Dr. Stopinski to Roy-Hart. We look forward to him becoming active in the community.”
