On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Arkport Board of Education plans to appoint Peter Reynolds as the new Arkport Superintendent. Reynolds will step into his new role on Thursday, April 9. Current Interim Superintendent, Matthew McGarrity, will be staying on through the transition to help ensure a smooth handover of leadership.
“The Arkport Central School District Board of Education is thrilled to welcome Mr. Reynolds as our new District Superintendent,” said Board President Michelle Chamberlin. “He understands the importance of community and believes that strong schools are built on collaboration, transparency, and trust. We are excited for the leadership and vision Peter will bring to Arkport,” she added.
A self-proclaimed Western New Yorker through and through, Reynolds was raised in Almond, New York, and graduated from Alfred-Almond Central School District. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Adolescent Education from St. Bonaventure University.
Reynolds began his teaching career in 2006 at Canisteo-Greenwood Central School District, teaching living environment and ACE biology. In 2010, he became the Teacher on Special Assignment High School Intervention Coordinator. In this role, he worked with high school staff to develop and implement a comprehensive system and structures which led to increases in student achievement and success.
In July 2015, Reynolds went on to serve the Dalton-Nunda School District as their 7-12 Principal for three years before having the opportunity to return to Canisteo-Greenwood in the same role in July 2018. He remained at C-G until his appointment as Arkport’s Superintendent Schools.
“Throughout these different opportunities, I've been able to develop a deep appreciation and love for small rural communities and their schools,” said Reynolds. “I’ve seen firsthand how critical a quality education is to the success of our students and the strength of our community. More than anything, I’m thankful for the relationships I’ve made and the privilege of being a part of so many students’ lives,” he added.
Q&A with incoming Superintendent Reynolds
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
A: I was blessed to have many great teachers growing up. They instilled in me a love of learning and a desire to share that with others.
Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
A: I have a strong commitment to servant leadership and know that having a clear and shared set of mission, vision, values, and goals are necessary parts to success. I believe that trust is critical, and very much understand that school communities are a sum of their parts, from teachers to paras to facilities staff to cafeteria staff to transportation, along with supportive parents and residents.
Q: What does student success look like to you?
A: To me, student success means that we are teaching individuals of character and integrity, with the skills and dispositions needed not only to be successful in school but also to be successful beyond in a rapidly changing world.
Yes, academic achievement measures like test scores matter, but so do measures of student engagement, attendance, and successful career and college enrollment. Ultimately, student success means long-term community success as we hope and expect to see the positive impacts of our graduates in our communities and beyond.
Q: What does a positive school culture mean to you?
A: A positive school culture is one where there is a collective and shared commitment to work together to ensure student success, as well as school being a place we all enjoy and in which we thrive.
Q: When you are not working, how do you like to spend your time?
A: I love spending time with my family, hunting, fishing, gardening, and cooking, to name a few things.
Q: What message would you like to share with the community as you begin this role?
A: I am incredibly humbled and grateful that the Arkport Board thinks I am the right person to serve and lead their school community. I look forward to getting to know the broader communities, students, and staff, building relationships with them, and earning their respect and trust.
I know just how important schools are to the survival and identity of small rural communities in Western New York and I am excited to start this journey with the Arkport school district!