Board appoints veteran school leader as interim superintendent

The City School District of Albany Board of Education has appointed John Yagielski to lead the district on an interim basis following the retirement of Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams in January. 

Yagielski brings extensive experience to Albany, including five months as the district’s interim deputy superintendent for business and finance earlier this year.

“Mr. Yagielski knows and understands our school district and community very well,” Board President Vickie Smith said. “We are very fortunate that he has agreed to join us while the board engages in a thoughtful and thorough process to identify our next permanent superintendent.”

Yagielski’s career includes 11 years’ experience as superintendent of two of upstate New York’s largest school districts – Greece, in the Rochester area, and Shenendehowa. He also previously served as the chief financial officer in Baltimore’s public schools.  

Since his retirement as the Shenendehowa superintendent in 1997, Yagielski has remained active in educational leadership and consulting roles in the Capital Region. He has served as the interim superintendent in the Brittonkill, Niskayuna and Schenectady school districts, and also as the interim district superintendent for Capital Region BOCES.

“I have great admiration and respect for the leadership team in place in Albany,” Yagielski said. “At the Board of Education, district and building levels, the district has an exceptional group of talented, dedicated, hard-working individuals who care deeply about the success of every student. 

“I am looking forward to joining this team and serving this community as we work together to continue the progress the district has made under Superintendent Adams.”

Yagielski will serve as a consultant over the final months of Adams’ term, and will take over as interim superintendent following Adams’ final day on Jan. 6.