Ralph Napolitano: Building a Community of Learners and Leaders

Fostering a passion for public service for his entire life, Ralph Napolitano began his teaching career 37 years ago because he saw it as a way to give back to his community.

“From the time I was in elementary school, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher and, although the look and size of my classroom has changed as my position has changed, I will always consider myself to be a teacher,” Napolitano said. “My parents were strong believers and advocates for giving back to the community through service and teaching is certainly the vehicle for doing that.”

As Yorktown Central School District’s superintendent of schools, Napolitano has focused on building a curriculum that provides students with the tools they need to be successful and to make a positive impact.

We asked Superintendent Napolitano to share his plans for this upcoming school year, and his secret to building a community of learners and future leaders:

Patch: How long have you been the superintendent of schools?

Ralph Napolitano: This is my 37th year in education and I am as excited about teaching and learning today as I was in 1974, the year I started teaching. I am beginning my sixth year at Yorktown Central School District, and am very much looking forward to the start of the school year.

Patch: What was your career path to becoming Yorktown’s superintendent?

RN: Over the years, I have been a teacher, department chairperson, principal, assistant superintendent and now a superintendent.

In every role, my focus has been on the growth and development of students to ensure that they leave school prepared and committed to lead and serve in their community and society. 

Patch: What has been your greatest challenge?

RN: The biggest challenge that every superintendent faces today is doing more with less.

With the economic crisis in our state, nation and world, we have to continually strategize as to how to provide the best educational experience for students while monitoring the budget. We have an obligation both to our students and to the citizens who pay for their education. We have tried to be faithful to the needs of both during these economically challenging times.

Patch: As superintendent, what do you consider to be your greatest success?

RN: My greatest success has been working collaboratively with the administrators, teachers and staff to develop an articulated curriculum that considers the needs of the whole child and the needs of the society where he/she will work and live. 

We are committed to the education of the whole child and ensure curricular and extracurricular opportunities to meet our students’ goals. Our students understand that we expect them to take their knowledge and skills to effectuate positive change and make a difference. All of our students are taught the value of service to their community.

Patch: What do you hope to achieve this school year and what does the district need to work on?

RN: We have designed our district goals and action plans for the 2011-2012 school year. We continue to work on initiatives that we believe are important including: reading and writing in all curriculum areas, applying technology to instruction, promoting character education initiatives in the schools and in the community, growing programs in the arts, encouraging physical fitness and responsibly upgrading our facilities to meet 21st-century learning objectives.

Patch: What advice do you give your students about achieving success now and in the future?

RN: My advice to students is to always work hard and to always be enthusiastic about their work.

I would advise them to set high standards for themselves and then to commit the time, interest and energy needed to meet those standards. I would tell them to love what they do, love who they are doing it for, and seek to make a difference on the job. 

If they believe what they do matters and helps others, they will be motivated to do the best and be the best at what they do.