Osborne, who started his career as a fifth-grade bilingual Spanish teacher – who officially replaces interim Superintendent Jeffrey Korostoff on July 1 – comes to the district after seven years in the same position at the South Orange-Maplewood schools.
The newest superintendent of schools said that his experience working in various levels of education has given him an appreciation of the nuances of learning and teaching.
“I learned the magic of what happens in the classroom. That ‘aha!’ moment that happens in classrooms everywhere, that’s what I love,” he said. “I also started (the New School for Arts and Sciences) in the Bronx, and I learned that when adults work in partnership, (they) can help build a kid’s confidence and it can be a life changing experience for students.”
School Board President David Lacher said that an exhaustive yearlong search concluded with three final candidates vying for the position. After several days of grueling interviews, he said that Osborne was the unanimous choice of the board.
“The board determined he was the person, but there were contract terms to agree to, certification and a background check before we could announce,” he said. “We knew he was good on paper, but we were glad to find he has this passion for teaching and learning, and that he’s a warm person with a good sense of humor.”
Osborne, whose contract will earn him $265,000 per year with a $10,000 annuity, said he plans to use the time before he takes over at superintendent to talk with experienced members of the district to determine what’s next for New Rochelle schools.
“I don’t think there will be too many obstacles. People have been welcoming and forthcoming,” he said. “The July 1 start date gives me a chance to listen to (all the) district stakeholders to determine where we are, and what we need to do to get where we want to go.”
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