CITY OF TONAWANDA
Vantine on the job as chief of schools
By Mark Ciemcioch
NORTHTOWNS CORRESPONDENT
Updated: 07/23/08 7:04 AM
New City of Tonawanda School Superintendent Whitney Vantine made his first public remarks Tuesday during a School Board meeting since assuming his position last week. He has been speaking with district officials all week to get a sense of the issues affecting Tonawanda.
He also attended a public forum hosted by the city and school district Monday evening to learn more about a shared services grant the two entities are working on together.
Some board members who attended the forum suggested the consolidation of district schools, an issue that has been discussed for several years.
“I [want] to have a real, crystal clear understanding of the issues,” he said. “I see incredible potential in this district. A lot of districts have problems; we have them, too.”
Vantine arrived in the City of Tonawanda this month after serving as superintendent in several districts around New York State, including Lewiston- Porter and, most recently, Cold Spring Harbor on Long Island. The School Board approved a five-year contract for Vantine last month at a salary of $150,000 a year.
With several new administrators working in Tonawanda now, Vantine was among those who adjusted their presentations and reports to the School Board on Tuesday.
Rather than have the board take immediate action on issues, Vantine wished to hear reports on various projects to help familiarize himself further.
“I’ve been very, very pleased with what I heard,” he said.
“We’re going to continue to have those discussions as we move forward,” he added.
Vantine promised an “open, trustworthy” style of management while working in Tonawanda.
He replaced Barbara Peters, who is now working as superintendent of the Elmsford School District in Westchester County.
