By Timothy Backus, CASDA Executive Director
It is my pleasure to introduce myself to the CASDA membership. I’m Timothy Backus, the new Executive Director of CASDA. I assumed this role on July 1, 2024, following the retirement of Dr. Michael Piccirillo, who held the position since 2018. I want to thank him for his help during the transition, and for his leadership during his tenure, helping to keep the organization moving forward through challenging times.
I come to CASDA following a 35-year career in the South Colonie Central School District, where I began as a part-time social studies teacher in 1989 and retired as Deputy Superintendent (click here if you want to learn a little bit more about me). It is an honor to now lead such a prestigious organization, and I look forward to advancing CASDA’s mission of supporting teachers, administrators, and aspiring leaders across the region.
I am excited to share with you the CASDA 2023-2024 Digital Annual Report. This year marks CASDA’s 75th anniversary of service to school districts in the Greater Capital Region. Founded in 1949 and incorporated by the State Education Department, CASDA holds the distinction of being the oldest school study council in the United States. Over the decades, we have built a strong legacy of bridging the University at Albany with the UPK-12 educational community.
An effective leader is only as good as the people around him, and I am certainly lucky to have the guidance of the 15 members of the CASDA Executive Committee. Their leadership, dedication, and support have been invaluable during my transition into this role. Comprising area superintendents, as well as the Dean and professors from the University at Albany School of Education, this committee worked diligently throughout the year to reinforce CASDA’s core values and guide our organization toward a strong future.
While I may have only officially started in July, I am no stranger to the professional development opportunities and customized services CASDA offers its member districts.
A few highlights from the 2023-2024 year include:
Supporting Educational Leaders
Through initiatives like the Principal’s Collaborative and the Principal’s Center Board, we brought together a diverse group of leaders to explore pressing educational issues.
Our Aspiring Leaders Seminars continued to inspire the next generation of administrators, helping participants make informed decisions about stepping into leadership roles and giving them the chance to network with peers and gain advice about their growing careers.
Facilitating Professional Collaboration
CASDA’s Roundtables provided a dynamic, virtual platform for educators from the Capital Region and beyond to address shared challenges and exchange expertise.
These groups, which included Athletic Directors, School Counselors, Speech and Language specialists, and others, fostered meaningful problem-solving and conversation.
Delivering High-Quality Professional Development
We offered timely workshops on topics such as social-emotional learning, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), attendance strategies, and innovative teaching methods like gaming in education.
CASDA sought out practitioners currently in the field to conduct professional development workshops including Kurt Hassenpflug, who ran a successful book study on “Stolen Focus” and a workshop on AI in K-12 education, and Alyssa Sabbatino, who presented on the Science of Reading instructional best practices - this was so popular we are running another session this December!
Providing Technical Assistance
CASDA continued to support districts with coaching services, offering mentors and leadership coaches tailored to individual district needs.
Our team conducted comprehensive program reviews in areas such as human resources, special education, and district operations, as well as merger studies for districts of various sizes.
Through a partnership with Common Thread Consulting, CASDA has continued to engage with districts in important DEI work, providing training for audiences at all levels of the school organization.
Revitalizing Signature Programs
The return of the Office Professionals Workshop was a resounding success, drawing record attendance and rave reviews. This event reflects CASDA’s commitment to supporting all members of the educational community.
One of CASDA’s most successful endeavors continues to be our College Fair Series. In both the fall and spring, we facilitate and travel around the Capital Region and beyond to provide college fairs for students and families - I’ve personally been in attendance to see the record numbers of attendees engaging with college representatives from around the country.
Looking Ahead
I am confident in CASDA’s steadfast commitment to addressing the evolving needs of school districts as we head through the 2024-2025 school year. We are also thrilled to continue our annual celebrations. The Annual Awards Dinner at the Century House in Latham drew 180 attendees this past year, highlighting the incredible contributions of K-12 educators, Board of Education members, community leaders, and higher education students. Mark your calendars for April 2025, when we will gather once again to honor the remarkable achievements of our educational community - and don’t forget to nominate members from your school community for our Friends of Education awards!
As we embark on this new chapter together, I am inspired by the dedication of educators across the region - your service to children and families makes an immeasurable difference. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if CASDA can support your district’s professional learning goals or other needs.
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