NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The City School District of New Rochelle mourns the death of former Schools Superintendent Richard E. Organisciak, who served the district from August 15, 2006 until his retirement on October 4, 2013.
Mr. Organisciak’s tenure as Superintendent of Schools was distinguished by his commitment to the improvement of educational opportunities for all children, a notable interest in fostering excellence and equity in public education, and as an advocate of education. While in New Rochelle, he was selected to serve as one of eight members of the Executive Committee governing the New York State Council of School Superintendents.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Richard’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family,” said Rachel Relkin, CSDNR Board President upon hearing the news.
Under his leadership, the CSDNR moved forward in the areas of technology opportunities for the district and its students, collecting and using data to drive decision-making, and placing an importance on the study of international languages.
“As his successor, I applaud the initiatives he began. They provided a solid foundation for the district to move forward,” expressed Dr. Brian G. Osborne, current Superintendent of the CSDNR.
Mr. Organisciak was involved in a broad range of community activities as well, and had a number of articles published in scholarly journals and magazines. Additionally, he was the recipient of many community awards.
About Richard E. Organisciak
A Bachelor of Arts graduate of Bernard Baruch College in 1973, Richard E. Organisciak earned his Master’s degree in Education Supervision and Administration from Baruch College in 1977 and his Juris Doctorate degree from New York Law School in 1989.
He enjoyed a long, successful and varied career with the New York City School District. In 1973, he began as a paraprofessional assistant in a reading class and quickly moved on to a teaching position. In 1980, he became Director of Operation Far Cry, a program he helped to create to retrieve high school dropouts. In 1983, he was selected to become the Principal of the High School Redirection in Brooklyn, followed in 1984 when he became the Principal of Offsite Educational Services Program. In 1992, he was installed as Principal of George W. Wingate High School. From 1997 to 2003, he served asSuperintendent of Alternative Schools and Programs for the NYC Board of Education;and then from 2003-2006, he was the Superintendent of the Deer Park School District in Suffolk County, New York. From August 2006 until October 2013, he was Superintendent of Schools in the City School District of New Rochelle.
