New Superintendent Chosen to Lead Ballston Spa CSD
The Ballston Spa Central School District (CSD) Board of Education is pleased to announce Dr. Gianleo Duca as the new Superintendent of Schools. He has most recently been serving as Interim Superintendent after being appointed in September 2022. Over the last nine months the Board reviewed several options, and came to the conclusion that the best path forward is to select a leader with an established relationship with many district stakeholders, and a proven track record of success within the District. Dr. Duca has not only been successful in every previous leadership role he has held; he is also highly regarded by those he has worked with and supported in those positions.
“Our survey of staff, parents and caregivers, students, and community members provided the basis for a candidate profile looking for stability and longevity, continuity of curriculum, familiarity with our district and community, and excellent listening and communication skills, as requirements in our next leader,” indicated Board of Education President Jason Fernau. Further, “Dr. Duca meets the criteria of that candidate profile”.
Dr. Duca holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History/Education from Western New England University, a Master’s Degree in Education from Salem State University and received Administrative Certification from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. In December of 2019, he received his Doctorate Degree from The Sage Colleges, Esteves School of Education. He holds New York State Certification as a School District Leader and a School Building Leader.
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to lead the Ballston Spa Central School District. It is a responsibility for which I am humbly grateful, and one that I do not take lightly. I have a strong sense of dedication and a tremendous respect for our students, staff, caregivers, and the larger community of Ballston Spa,” said Dr. Duca. “I take great pride in the excellent work that I have seen here over the past eight years. I am confident that together we will continue our work in developing innovative programming options while simultaneously meeting the needs of each of our students.”
Dr. Duca, who has been with the district since 2015, served as an Assistant Principal and Interim Principal before being appointed Principal in July 2018. He continued as Principal until September 2022 and was also serving simultaneously as the Coordinator of Secondary Special Education Services (during 2020- 2022).
Matilda the Musical Jr. Presented by Ballston Spa Middle School
Ballston Spa Middle School’s Launching Pad Productions is proud to present Matilda the Musical Jr. The students will present five performances, including February 9th, 10th and 11th at 7:00pm and February 11th & 12th at 1:00pm at the Ballston Spa High School, 220 Ballston Avenue, Ballston Spa. Seating is General Admission and tickets are $5.00 for students/senior citizens and $10.00 for adults. Tickets may be purchased at the door up to 45 minutes prior to each performance.
Over 100 Middle School students are busy preparing for opening day, with 51 students performing in the cast and 60 backstage helping as part of the production crew. Matilda (Maeve deFrancqueville) has astonishing wit, intelligence… and special powers! She’s unloved by her cruel parents, Mr. Wormwood (Liam Brooks) and Mrs. Wormwood (Lucy Dooling) but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey (Libby Stavers). Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Charlie Davis), hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!
The Ballston Spa Rotary Club will also be at each show for the annual Spread the Love Food Drive! Non-perishable food and monetary donations will be accepted in the high school lobby prior to the shows. All donations will be distributed to food pantries in Ballston Spa. Audience members are asked to please consider bringing a donation to help support the community! For additional information, please contact the school at (518) 884-7200 or check the website at www.bscsd.org.
