The Greece Central School District Board of Education announced tonight that long-time Superintendent Kathleen Graupman will retire effective January 1, 2025 and appointed Deputy Superintendent Jeremy Smalline to succeed her.
“Today marks a bittersweet moment for our school district as we formally accept Kathy Graupman’s retirement,” Board President Sean McCabe said. “Kathy has dedicated her personal and professional life to Greece, and our community is undeniably better because of her contributions.”
Graupman has led the district since 2015 and is one of the most long-standing, well respected superintendents in Monroe County. The leadership transition was formally announced at the June 4 Board of Education meeting, although McCabe said Smalline was promoted to Deputy Superintendent a year ago as part of a long-range succession plan. He was selected because he possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a large school system, as exhibited by his proven track record at Greece Central.
“Jeremy has experience in critical areas including student learning, school improvement, special education, human resources and transportation” McCabe said. “He is a collaborative, strategic leader who understands Greece Central. His appointment provides stability and vision as we continue to work toward our collective mission of equity and excellence.”
Smalline joined Greece Central in 2005 as an administrative intern and became an assistant principal at Longridge Elementary School a year later. In 2010, he was promoted to the role of Principal at Longridge Elementary School. Recognizing his dedication and skills, he was appointed as the Turnaround Initiative Principal in 2015. In 2017, he further advanced his career by becoming the Director of Student Services and School Improvement. His exceptional leadership led to his appointment as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in 2020 and in May 2023 he was promoted to his current position of Deputy Superintendent.
“I am honored to be chosen to serve as the next Superintendent of the Greece Central School District,” Smalline said. “I am grateful that the Board has demonstrated their trust and support of my leadership, and I look forward to working closely with them in this new role.”
Smalline will continue his work as Deputy Superintendent alongside current Superintendent Graupman until she retires at the end of the year. Recognizing the importance of strong relationships in fostering a positive and effective educational environment, he is committed to building trust and collaboration across the district.
“I am passionate about this district and eagerly anticipate collaborating with our strong Board of Education, our outstanding leadership team, our talented teachers and staff, and our incredible students and families as we continue to move Greece Central forward,” Smalline said.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Board President Sean McCabe’s About Retiring Superintendent Graupman
“Today marks a bittersweet moment for our school district as we formally accept the retirement of our long-time superintendent, Kathy Graupman, effective January 1, 2025. Kathy has dedicated her personal and professional life to Greece, and our community is undeniably better because of her contributions.
A proud graduate of Greece Arcadia High School, Kathy’s professional journey with the Greece Central School District began in 2002 as an administrative intern. She went on to become an assistant principal, and a principal, before becoming the Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately rising to the position of Superintendent of Schools in 2015.
During her remarkable tenure as Greece superintendent, Kathy spearheaded many transformative initiatives. She introduced community schools and culturally responsive education, founded the Regional Equity Network, and highlighted the importance of social-emotional learning. Kathy bolstered early childhood education by implementing full-day pre-kindergarten, establishing the Greece Community Early Learning Center, and prioritizing literacy. She championed student success through initiatives like AVID and Early College High School, while also expanding career and technical education programs.
Kathy’s leadership has been instrumental in securing substantial grant funding, fostering increased community partnerships, and empowering all stakeholders in decision-making. Under her guidance, we successfully implemented two comprehensive strategic plans, approved 10 school budgets and one capital improvement project, and met the challenges posed by a global pandemic.
From day one, Kathy has made it known that relationships matter and made it her mission to ensure every member of our school community felt seen, heard and valued. By amplifying the voices of students and families, Kathy has not only fostered a sense of inclusion and empowerment, she ensured that our educational policies truly reflect the needs of our community.
Kathy has also been a driving force behind workforce development initiatives and leadership opportunities for staff members, regardless of position. She spearheaded programs aimed at professional growth and advancement, equipping our staff with the tools and skills needed to excel in their roles. Through mentorship, training, and strategic leadership opportunities, Kathy has cultivated a culture of continuous learning and innovation within our schools and departments.
Moreover, she has worked tirelessly to strengthen union and Board of Education relations, recognizing that collaboration and mutual respect are essential for the success of our educational mission. By fostering open communication, transparency, and a spirit of partnership, she has built bridges that have enriched our school community and paved the way for meaningful progress.
Throughout her tenure, Kathy has been a beacon of stability, wisdom, and compassion, guiding our district through both triumphs and challenges with grace and fortitude. Her dedication to student success, unwavering commitment to equity and excellence, and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on our schools and the lives of countless individuals. Though her retirement marks the end of an era, Kathy’s legacy of integrity, innovation, and unwavering advocacy for education will continue to inspire us.
Please join me in congratulating Kathy on her retirement and thanking her for her tireless dedication, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of our schools. Greece won’t be the same without you!”
Board President Sean McCabe’s About Incoming Superintendent Jeremy Smalline
“With the appointment of Jeremy Smalline as the next superintendent of the Greece Central School District, we have chosen a leader who truly reflects the values, vision, and dedication of our educational institution.
Jeremy is no stranger to our district. With nearly 20 years of dedicated service, he has been an integral part of our community, contributing in various capacities. His journey with us began as an administrative intern and assistant principal, where he quickly distinguished himself through his commitment to excellence and his passion for education. His leadership skills and dedication to our students’ success saw him rise to the role of Longridge Principal, where he continued to make a profound impact on our school environment.
As a district administrator, and later as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Jeremy demonstrated remarkable strategic thinking and an unwavering focus on system wide improvement. His ability to build strong, positive relationships with staff, students, families and community members alike is a testament to his compassionate leadership style and his understanding of the value of listening to all stakeholders.
Most recently, in his role as Deputy Superintendent, Jeremy has worked tirelessly to advance our district’s mission. His collaborative approach has fostered a culture of teamwork and shared responsibility. His strategic mindset has guided us through numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational experience for all our students.
What sets Jeremy apart is not just his impressive resume, but his unwavering dedication to the advancement of our district. He possesses an exceptional blend of knowledge, skill, and compassionate leadership that makes him uniquely suited to lead us forward. His strong interpersonal skills and ability to connect with people at all levels of our organization will undoubtedly continue to be a tremendous asset as we strive to achieve our goals.
Jeremy understands that at the heart of any successful educational institution are the relationships built within it. He listens actively, values every voice, and is committed to fostering an environment where every student, teacher, and staff member can thrive. His vision for our district is one of continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence.
As we look to the future, I am confident that under Jeremy’s leadership, we will continue to grow, evolve, and excel. His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for our district, one that promises to be filled with opportunities, advancements, and shared successes.
Please join me in congratulating Jeremy Smalline on his well-deserved appointment as Superintendent of Schools. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and capable leader at the helm, and we look forward to the incredible journey that lies ahead.”
Provided Information
