Phillip Langton, Spencerport's new superintendent of schools, recently spent about a half-hour questioning and answering queries from members of the student council in the William C. Munn Elementary School. It was one of many stops for Langton, who is going through the process of learning about the system and the people who make up the system. The Munn student council is the only one in the elementary schools in Spencerport; it consists of thirty-six children, two elected representatives from each class, and they meet about once a month. Photograph by Walter Horylev.

The new district superintendent calls for improving curriculum, sense of community

When a fresh face steps into a new position, the first few weeks can be an overwhelming whirlwind of countless introductions and exchanging of ideas.

Being in charge of a school district proves to be no different.

In his first few weeks as Spencerport's superintendent of schools, Phillip Langton continues to listen to the needs of students, parents, and staff, while working through the period of adjustment with a willingness to make a difference.

Since Langton was appointed by the Spencerport School Board in January, he has met with a host of administration and faculty members, students, as well as village businesspersons and community members.

"I didn't want to take anything for granted as far as first impressions go," he said. "(In the forthcoming weeks), I'll have a much better sense of the direction we need to go."

Born in England, Langton's family moved to Toronto when he was 10 years old. Soon after, his family moved to the Finger Lakes area where he spent his formative years. He graduated from Waterloo High School in 1965.

Langton, 54, received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, and attended Syracuse University and SUNY College at Brockport for his master's degree work.

He and his wife, Gail, have three grown daughters and four grandsons. In October, Gail was appointed director of English and Language Arts for Hilton schools.

Langton previously served as a teacher in Newark and later a building principal in Gananda for 10 years and Pittsford for four years. He also served as assistant superintendent of instruction for a Syracuse school district.

He spent the last eight years serving as school chief for the Manchester-Shortsville school district, near Victor. The district commonly referred to as Red Jacket serves about 1,200 students.

He said the size of the growing district like Spencerport, with an enrollment of about 4,500 students, is not intimidating, but rather a challenge. "It's obviously much larger," he added. "But many of the focuses are the same."

Not only Spencerport schools, but districts across the area share similar focus when attempting to prepare students for the new rigorous state standards. By 2002, every student in New York state will be required to graduate with a Regents diploma. This daunting task not only takes a lot of planning, Langton said, but requires personnel to carefully inspect the district's curriculum, particularly special education, and align it in a way which helps students meet and exceed the new standards.

"Those things are all very similar (among districts)," he said. "My skill set will hopefully meet the needs of the district."

Aside from the new Regents mandates, Langton said one of his top priorities is to regain a sense of school community in Spencerport, which has grown considerably over the course of the last two decades.

This population boom is exemplified by the district's $40 million-plus capital improvement project, approved last year by residents. The plan includes the construction of a new elementary school, as well as enhancements to each of the district's buildings.

In addition, the district has witnessed a significant amount of turnover in administration positions in recent years. Also, nearly 50 percent of teachers in the district have been hired in the last five years, according to Langton.

Despite these changes, he said he is working to regain that once rampant small-town feeling in a growing school district. "Spencerport has a tremendous reputation with strong community support," he explained. "That's a real challenge for me to build more stability in the district."

Langton replaces Rick Timbs, who left the post last August to pursue a BOCES superintendent's position in Erie County. Veteran area school chief Josephine Kehoe served as interim superintendent as a search committee, comprised of administration, staff, and community members, sifted through about 40 applicants. Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Superintendent Tod Eagle spearheaded the search on behalf of the school board.

"There was quite an exhaustive search process," said board President Larry Fenity. "We were looking for someone with experience and ability to fit well where we felt we have needs."

Fenity said he is excited thus far with Langton's determination and vigor. Whether it be one-on-one or in a group setting, Langton seems to be able to heed people's interest in school issues, said parent Don Kent. Kent, whose two sons attend high school at Spencerport, has worked with the superintendent in developing next year's school budget on the district's advisory committee. "He seems to be on top of the issues and has adjusted to the district's needs quickly," Kent said. "You have to be able to address the issues and talk with people in a way that will be effective.He draws people in and listens."

Fenity agrees. "He's very easy to work with," he said. "I'm even more impressed than I expected to be."

In May, Langton will report to the board with a long-range plan to improve the schools and better prepare students. Until then, Langton continues to shake hands and bend an ear. He and his wife also plan to relocate soon to the village.

"People have been really wonderful to me," he added.