For school districts, summer is often a time of transition.  That is definitely the case for our school district with numerous changes during the past couple of months.

The most significant of these changes involve those that work with our students on a daily basis.  Our thoughts turn to those who have left the district either through retirement, new opportunities, or due to the financial issues facing all school districts. The retirees from Otselic Valley take with them countless years of experience and memories.  Each of them has no doubt touched our lives and the lives of our students.  They will be missed but definitely not forgotten.  Those who have left were vital contributors in making our school and students successful.  We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

The second phase of transition includes the addition of new staff and faculty.  Our new Vikings have large shoes to fill but I am sure they are up to the challenge.  Since this is my first letter to the OV community, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the warm welcome.  Throughout the interview process and during my first few weeks on the job, I have been pleasantly surprised by the genuine kindness extended from those that I have already met.  When I applied to be your superintendent, I had heard about the closeness amongst those who call the valley home.  It is one of the main reasons why I consider myself privileged and honored to represent the school district and community.  My family and I are excited to be Vikings. 

In the months ahead, please feel free to introduce yourself whether it is at a school event or out and about in the community.  In the district calendar, there are scheduled coffee hours at each campus.  If you have a concern but cannot attend, please call the main office to schedule a mutually convenient time to meet and chat.  Over the next few months, I look forward to listening to each of you in order to better understand the community and school district.  This will help us as a district set goals for the continued success of the Otselic Valley Central School District and its students.

I hope you all have had an enjoyable summer and we look forward to a terrific new school year.

Richard J. Hughes, Superintendent