Dear Berlin Central School District Community,
The Berlin Central School District’s Board of Education is proud to announce the selection of Mr. Kenneth Rizzo as the new Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2025.
We look forward to working with Mr. Rizzo as he transitions into this role here in the district and wish him the best.
The appointment became official during our round table meeting this evening, where the superintendent contract was unanimously approved by the board.
Thank you to Questar III BOCES, Superintendent Dr. Maureen Long, our stakeholder groups, and community for the critical roles they played during the search process.
Please join me in welcoming Mr. Rizzo and learn more about him in the district’s official press release below.Katie MurrayBoard of Education PresidentBerlin Central School District
Mr. Kenneth Rizzo
Superintendent of Schools (effective July 1, 2025)
Berlin Central School District
The Berlin Central School District Board of Education selected Mr. Kenneth Rizzo to be its next superintendent of schools, effective July 1. Mr. Rizzo was unanimously appointed by the Board at its meeting on March 6, 2025.
Mr. Kenneth Rizzo has 24 years of experience as a leader and teacher. He has served as the Secondary School Principal in Brunswick (Brittonkill) CSD for the past five years. During his tenure as principal, Mr. Rizzo guided the district through the Covid-19 pandemic and reopening of schools while advancing the safety and wellness of students and staff. He provided strong instructional leadership which promoted student achievement, school improvement, and marked increases in graduation rates. Throughout his career Mr. Rizzo has demonstrated a collaborative and student-centered philosophy which has been key to his success.
“I’m deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve the Berlin Central School District as superintendent. I live in the area and grew up only a short drive away in a rural setting similar to Berlin. I am excited to join the Mountaineer family and begin working with Dr. Long to ensure a smooth transition. I’m eager to partner with stakeholders and the Board of Education to support achievement and opportunities that will allow every child to reach their fullest potential. I’m committed to listening, earning trust, and building meaningful relationships with students, families, faculty and staff, administrators, and the community.”
Mr. Rizzo started his career in the Averill Park CSD before moving to Shaker Junior High School in the North Colonie CSD. He taught school social studies and coached for 14 years. In 2012, the Capital District Council for Social Studies honored Rizzo with its Robert J. Neiderberger Award, recognizing him for outstanding service and dedication to education.
Upon entering leadership, Rizzo served as a Middle School Hall Principal in Bethlehem CSD and as an Assistant Principal in the Schalmont CSD.
He has a bachelor’s degree in history education from Siena College, a master’s degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology from the University at Albany, and a Certificate of Advanced Study from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. He is completing the Future Superintendents Academy through the NYS Council of School Superintendents.
“Mr. Kenneth Rizzo quickly rose to the top of the strong pool of candidates. His distinguished career and dedication to the public education system have set him apart. With a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to fostering educational excellence, Mr. Rizzo will undoubtedly contribute and advance the Berlin Central School District educational opportunities and community,” said Board President Katie Murray.
The Berlin CSD Board of Education offered Mr. Rizzo the superintendent position following an extensive search and interview process, which began in October 2024 with assistance from Questar III BOCES. At that time, the Board asked the community to provide feedback on the desired characteristics of the next superintendent and received more than 400 submissions via an online survey.
Murray said the community’s feedback was reflected in the development of a recruitment brochure and the interview questions. A stakeholder committee of community members, faculty, staff, and students also interviewed semi-finalists. This group provided the Board with feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of candidates along with additional questions they would want the Board to ask.
“The Berlin CSD Board of Education would like to thank our community for its input throughout the superintendent search process. Your feedback helped to guide our work,” said Murray.
