- By Dan Veaner
- Around Town
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"Mr. Thomas is currently the associate principal of Dewitt Middle School in the Ithaca City School District," says Lewis. "His recommendation for appointment follows a comprehensive screening and interview process involving teachers, parents, support staff, students, administrators, and members of the board of education."
Thomas grew up in Webster, NY and earned his undergraduate degree at Wooster College in Ohio, then was awarded a graduate assistantship in anatomy and physiology at Ithaca College. "While completing my Master's degree work there I also served as the Assistant Lacrosse Coach," Thomas recalls.
In 1979 he began teaching biology and physical science at Boynton Middle School, then began a seven year stint teaching those topics at Ithaca High School in 1984. After seven years he returned to Boynton to teach accelerated earth science and physical science. He served as science department chair, high school varsity lacrosse coach and taught summer school science classes, as well as tutoring math and science and teaching SAT preparation classes.
After earning his administrative degree from SUNY Cortland he became Associate Principal of Boynton for the 2002-2003 school year, then was awarded the same position at Dewitt Middle School. He served in that position for three years, receiving administrative tenure last April. "In these positions I focused my energy on connecting with students and their families as well as supporting teachers in their classroom instruction," Thomas says. "I also worked to create after school programs and extra curricular activities for students."
Lewis says 50 or 60 members of the school community participated in the selection process. Three committees worked on the process. "They are bipartisan in nature," Lewis told the BOE at their July 11 meeting. "We have administrators, we have school support staff, teachers and parents involved in all three." Last week the committees and a group of students had an opportunity to interview the final candidates. Thomas says he enjoyed meeting with these groups and learned from them. Lewis says the committees looked for the best fit between a principal and the school's needs and focus, good references and experience.
Thomas is looking forward to the Lansing assignment. "I find working with middle school students to be exciting and rewarding," he says. "Their high energy levels and genuine enthusiasm are infectious and I believe I have a lot to offer them as they deal with the challenges of adolescence."
If the board approves his appointment, Thomas will start immediately. He says that Ithaca School Superintendent Dr. Judith C. Pastel has graciously worked with Lewis to make that possible, because the beginning of the school year is so close. "In the coming school year, I look forward to becoming a part of the Lansing community and the school system, both of which I have admired for a long time," Thomas says. "I am truly excited to meet students, parents, and guardians and to work with the Lansing Middle School staff."
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