Dear Manhattan High Schools Community;
It is my pleasure to serve NYCDOE in the role of acting Superintendent for Manhattan High Schools. This reimagined role of superintendent will involve improved collaboration and partnerships with families, community-based organizations, colleges and universities, and local businesses. I want to thank all of our elected officials, CEC members, Parent Associations, school leaders, teachers, students and families for offering your voice throughout the process of selecting a superintendent for Manhattan High Schools. I want to sincerely thank you all for the leadership and advocacy consistently demonstrated. I am honored to now be part of this amazing community of schools and families.
I would also like to acknowledge the leadership of Vivian Orlen and her commitment to our Manhattan High Schools. I want to thank Vivian and her team for their many efforts in support of your schools. It is important to me that we work in partnership to create the conditions for all students who attend our Manhattan High Schools to have meaningful learning experiences that will effectively prepare them for post-secondary opportunities. We will do this by reimagining the student high school experience, scaling, sustaining, and restoring what works, prioritizing wellness and its link to student success, and most importantly by engaging families to be our true partners. I am finalizing plans for a Manhattan Listening Tour. I will spend time this summer meeting with school leaders, district CEC leadership, CCHS leadership, Parent Association leaders, elected officials, union representatives, NYPD precinct commanders, community-based organizations, and representatives from universities and colleges.
It is important for me to hear not only what has been working well but where there are opportunities for us to improve. I want to hear from all school community stakeholders. Following this listening tour, we will create a strategic plan, aligned to the feedback received from members of our community.
It is my hope that we remain excited and energized about the possibilities of what we will achieve together. I truly believe that our collective efforts will benefit all Manhattan High School students, families, teachers, staff, school leaders, and communities.
At the end of the day, we should all agree that “what is best for our children” is the most important item on the agenda. We may disagree at times on how we get there but we must all agree that the academic success and social emotional health of children is our desired destination. Again, I want to thank you for your demonstrated commitment and support of our Manhattan High Schools. It is an honor to serve as the acting Manhattan High Schools Superintendent.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. I look forward to working with you.
Best,
Gary Beidleman
Manhattan High Schools Superintendent (Acting)
