2026 Superintendent Opening Conference Days

Growing Together is the theme for Berlin Central School District’s 2026-2027 school year. At the annual Superintendent/Staff Orientation days on September 1st and 2nd, Berlin CSD Superintendent Ken Rizzo brought together district teachers, staff, and administrators with a message of maintaining a district-wide growth mindset, which includes creating community unity to foster growth and collective learning and collaboration. Mr. Rizzo, a father of five, shared what the promise of a new school year brings for his children and reflected on his years as a teacher, noting the excitement a fresh start each year can bring and how an educator can capture that and propel it into engaged learners. Superintendent Rizzo also spoke about the inspirational icon Dolly Parton, in the wake of her passing, and spoke about her commitment to childhood literacy, a critical focus for all staff at BCSD.

This school year marks Mr. Rizzo’s second year as superintendent of the district, and he is excited to build upon the work done through the Civic Seal of Readiness program, which he helped champion with Social Studies teachers Mr. Robert Gould and Mr. Erik Viner. This program is an essential part of the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, defined by the following attributes: Academically Prepared, Creative Innovator, Critical Thinker, Effective Communicator, Global Citizen, and Reflective and Future Focused. Mr. Rizzo and BCSD’s Director of Instructional Innovation and Technology, Ms. Ariel Gilbert, presented to the district’s teaching staff on the redefinition of New York State’s graduation measures, discussing the district’s progress, initiatives, and the essential role of educators in the transition to new requirements. Stay tuned this year for more news on this first phase of the initiative.

The opening days also included important workshops, training sessions, informational meetings, time for staff to collaborate, and prepare their classrooms.

A highlight for many staff was a visit to the Hudson Taconic Lands Learning Landscape. Hudson Taconic Lands Youth Program Director, Michala Hendrick, who has been collaborating closely with BCSD’s Ms. Shannon DeCelle and Mr. James Taylor-Shaw, welcomed staff for an overview of what to expect from the space and shared the concept map for site development. BCSD staff then explored the fields with plans and maps showing what will be available to students and teachers to explore, learn and engage with. Read more about it in a vignette from Hudson Taconic Lands here https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1WmPaYMD9r/

Thank you to the Stephentown Fire Hall for serving as the venue for the staff luncheon sponsored by the BCSD Leadership team, with many thanks to the BCSD Food Service staff who also hosted a breakfast at BMHS and to the BCSD Transportation Department for transporting staff to the luncheon.

Thank you to the IT Department’s Mr. Markian Ougrin and Mr. Brett Westenberg for their work this summer and for preparing the technology and Chromebooks for the staff and students’ return.

A special thank you also goes to the Business Office for preparing the district behind the scenes for the school year ahead all summer long: School Business Official – Ms. Colleen Mills, District Treasurer – Ms. Tara Fisher, Payroll and Human Resources – Ms. Sherri Kellar-Willis, Central Services Clerk – Ms. Darcy McCooey, and Executive Secretary/District Clerk – Ms. Dawn Demick.

A huge shoutout also goes to the BCSD Buildings and Grounds Staff who have worked so hard this summer to prepare a safe and clean environment for Mountaineer Staff and Students to return this fall.

Following the welcome, staff celebrated their colleagues’ milestones and welcomed new staff. Congratulations to the BCSD staff members listed below who reached milestones this year; thank you for your service to the district and its Mountaineers.

The Berlin CSD staff is looking forward to welcoming back Mountaineers on September 8, 2026! Let’s Go Mountaineers!!