April 26, 2024

Good evening NECSD students, families, faculty, and staff,

I want to acknowledge some of the messages I have received regarding school safety and share with you my passion for school and district safety. Safety isn’t simply the presence of security monitors or law enforcement, safety is a comprehensive system of monitoring, educating, and building relationships so that everyone has the capacity to provide an emotionally and physically safe and secure learning and working environment. In order for students to learn, they must feel safe and supported, in order for our faculty and staff to work their magic, they also must feel safe and secure. 

We have an obligation to nurture and develop our students to appropriately respond to conflict. As educators, we must build trust and collaborative relationships with families and our community to share in positive youth development for our students. With that being said, I have expanded the role and responsibilities of our Director of School Safety. When we canvassed and interviewed applicants we were intentional in selecting a candidate that had the experience and capacity to deliver a system of safety for all Goldbacks. We also sought an individual who had the capacity to collaborate with our Executive Team to implement whole-school programs to connect and engage students and families with an educational program that generates positive outcomes. 

I know that safety and security are priorities for our district, so I wanted to make sure that I shared this information with you as soon as possible. It is with great pride that I share that the newest member of our Goldback family. At this afternoon’s Special Board of Education meeting, Mr. Anthony Geraci was appointed as our new Director of School Safety and Security. We have had the pleasure of collaborating with Mr. Geraci in his role as Chief of Police for the City of Newburgh over the past several years and learned of the many amazing interventions and strategies he has implemented to support communities, neighborhoods, and most of all children and young adults.

I want to share a bit about his background, Mr. Geraci has: 

• Delivered train-the-trainer sessions on Implicit Bias and Reconciliation 
• Managed and coordinated the activities of a Neighborhood Engagement Unit, Community Services Unit, School Resource Officers, and the Police Athletic League
• Assisted with developing District-Wide Emergency Response Plans and Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for schools 
• Implemented Positive Outreach in Schools in the Interest of Valuable Engagement 
• Developed trusting relationships with multi-denominational religions throughout the City of Albany 

I would like to thank our Board of Education and interview committees for their professionalism and for maintaining confidentiality throughout this search process. In order to recruit professionals to work in our district, candidates must have confidence in our process. Particularly with high-level positions, those applying need to feel certain that their information and desire to leave their current position are not jeopardized through our process. I would like to acknowledge the professionalism of our board leadership to encourage high-level candidates to apply for positions here without the risk of tarnishing their reputation or relationships. 

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Geraci to our Goldback family!  

Sincerely, 

Dr. J. Manning Campbell
Superintendent of Schools