Pelham Public Schools Appoint Director Of Technology

From the Pelham Union Free School District: The Pelham Public Schools are pleased to announce that Joseph A. Catania III is expected to be appointed the District’s Director of Technology at the Board of Education’s meeting on Tuesday, June 6.

Mr. Catania is currently the District Instructional Technology Specialist for the Newburgh Enlarged City Schools, a position he has held since 2014 after previously serving the Newburgh District as a building-level Instructional Technology Specialist since 2005.

“Over the last several years, the Pelham Public Schools have worked hard to expand the use of learning technology in our classrooms and we are fortunate to be able to bring on someone of Joe’s caliber to provide leadership in this important and growing field,” said Superintendent Dr. Peter Giarrizzo. “Mr. Catania possesses a strong mix of experience both in IT support and in implementing education technology that makes him an ideal fit for our schools and community. His experience in overseeing a 1:1 Chromebook initiative similar to ours, as well as his vast understanding of technology systems and networks, integration and learning/management software will be instrumental in expanding the use of technology in our classrooms to supplement our students’ education.”

Mr. Catania is succeeding Michael Tromblee, who resigned as Director of Technology in March.

"I am honored to join and serve the talented and prestigious Pelham school community and am humbled by the trust placed in me by the Board of Education, Dr. Giarrizzo and his leadership team,” Mr. Catania said. “The Pelham Technology Department will continue to build upon the team's past successes to achieve the District's strategic goals. We will passionately work to support the purposeful and impactful enhancement of teaching and learning through technology for all."

Mr. Catania emerged as a top choice for the Director of Technology position from a pool of more than 30 candidates. His technological acumen stood out through interviews with Dr. Giarrizzo, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel Dr. Steven Garcia and Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Rosemary Matthews. Additionally, Mr. Catania met separately with three groups of teachers, administrators, and parents, students and community members as well as the Board of Education.

His references described him as thorough and meticulous, even-keeled, a team player and a strong researcher and learner who always puts the students first. Additionally, they said that he has proven himself a prominent leader in implementing technology infrastructure and possesses deep knowledge of instructional technology. He was also described as a strong collaborator and is able to bring groups together to build a plan of action.

In his previous positions with the Newburgh schools, Mr. Catania has served as co-chair of the multi-district technology director committee and led the development, creation and publication of the District’s 2015-18 multiple year strategic IT plan. Additionally, he has planned, directed, monitored and evaluated instructional and administrative/management technology programs and initiatives.

Mr. Catania also has experience implementing Google Suite resources and administering Microsoft Office 365, among other software used by the Pelham Schools.

He holds a M.S. in Instructional Technology from New York Institute of Technology, a M.S. in Childhood Education from Mount Saint Mary College and a B.A. in Information Technology from Mount Saint Mary College. Additionally, he has an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University and is certified in International Baccalaureate Level 1 and 2.

Photo courtesy of the Pelham Union Free School District