Eric Whipple, principal at Cobleskill-Richmondville’s Radez School, is leaving to become superintendent at Charlotte Valley Central School.
His pending departure leaves the C-R school board searching for two administrators. Superintendent Carl Mummenthey is leaving to be superintendent at Niskayuna.
Mr. Whipple became Radez principal five years ago and earned praise from school board President Bruce Tryon for restructuring Radez’ special ed programs and starting a new literacy program.
“Eric’s work at Radez Elementary was always focused on what’s best for the students,” said Mr. Tryon.
Mr. Mummenthey agreed.
“Eric’s done great work,” he said. “Radez has had a lot of success under his leadership.”
Mr. Whipple said he’s “had a great five years” and that “it’s been a joy to be here.”
“We have a supportive staff and a supportive community,” he added. “Students are eager to come to school here.”
C-R is working with Capital Region BOCES on the superintendent search, and the school board expects to have a new superintendent by July 1, when Mr. Mummenthey is leaving.
The search for a new principal, Mr. Mummenthey said, will start immediately.
“It will be a quick search and a thorough search,” he said, adding that C-R doesn’t want to start next school year with an interim principal.
Replacing Mr. Whipple and an update on the superintendent search will be topics at Monday’s school board meeting, Mr. Tryon said.
As for Mr. Whipple, by going to Charlotte Valley, he’s going home. He lives there, his children go to school there, and his father was Charlotte Valley superintendent years ago.
“It’s my home school district and I graduated from Charlotte Vallley,” Mr. Whipple said. “It’s an opportunity, a chance to advance my career.”
Mr. Whipple’s new position isn’t quite official. The Charlotte Valley school board is expected to act on his appointment Thursday.