The Watervliet Board of Education recently awarded tenure to Lori Caplan, Principal at Watervliet Jr./Sr. High School and Theresa O'Brien, Principal at Watervliet Elementary School.

“These two leaders have done an amazing job for our district,” said Board of Education Vice-President Mark Scully, who presided over the March 18 meeting. “The Board is very pleased with the job they have done and we hope they stay with Watervliet for a long time."

This sentiment was echoed by supporters from the audience, parents and staff members alike, who thanked Caplan and O'Brien for their dedication to the students and commended the board for awarding them tenure.

"I feel excited that this district is finally headed in the right direction. These principals impress me, and I am not easy to impress!" said one parent during the open comment section of the meeting.

The Watervliet Board of Education and Superintendent Paul Padalino, pictured with Principals Lori Caplan and Theresa O'Brien at the March 18th Board of Education meeting .

What is administrative tenure?

Administrators are governed by the same tenure laws and regulations as teachers. When administrators are first hired, they are hired as probationary employees. This probationary appointment lasts for three years. During these three years, The NYS Education Commissioner’s Regulations require administrators to be evaluated annually. Typically, the superintendent is responsible for these evaluations. Prior to the end of the three-year probationary period, superintendents must make a formal recommendation to the board of education on the tenure of each eligible administrator. The board of education can either accept or reject the superintendent’s positive recommendation.