Christmann to head GI school district

Grand Island Dispatch, December 8, 2006

The Grand Island Board of Education has announced the selection of Robert W. Christmann as the new superintendent of schools for the district. Christmann is currently the superintendent of the Newark Central School District in Wayne County, a position he has held 1991. The district is located approximately 20 miles from Rochester and is home to about 2,500 students. “Probably the greatest strength he brings to the district is his experience – 16 years,” said Grand Island School Board President Richard Little. “He’s highly regarded.” “To bring someone of his caliber is great for the district,” he said. Christmann previously served as assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for that district. He also served as a secondary school principal in Danbury, Conn., and was an elementary principal in the Frontier Central School District. In addition he has held teaching and administrative assignments in the Kenmore–Tonawanda district. Christmann received his Bachelor’s of Science degree from SUNY Oswego. He earned a Masters of Science degree and a School District Administrator Certificate from Buffalo State College, and is completing additional doctoral graduate work at the University at Buffalo.

Newly selected Grand Island Superintendent of Schools Robert W. Christmann will be attending his GI School Board meeting on Monday, Dec. 11.

“It’s kind of a homecoming. He’s got family in the area,” Little said. “I think he’s going to be a great fit” for the district. “He’s very personable and has a lot of experience working with people.”

Little said Christmann also brings the strength of ties to Albany. The new superintendent is currently serving as one of eight statewide elected members of the New York State Council of School Superintendents Executive Committee and Commissioner’s Advisory Committee. “He’s been appointed by his peers – and that goes to his credit,” Little said.

In addition Christmann is a faculty member through SUNY Oswego in the New York State Superintendent’s Development Program, which prepares school administrators to become superintendents.

Christmann and his wife, Karen, a special education/reading teacher in the Canandaigua City School District, are looking forward to returning to Western New York and are hoping to find residence on Grand Island.

He will be at the school board meeting on Monday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. in the Kaegebein Elementary School auditorium.

Little said now that Christmann has been selected, the board will move forward in finalizing his contract. He will start working with the district immediately, although his official start is expected to be Feb. 1, 2007.