Robert Gibson and Gladys Cruz
The Questar III Board of Education appointed Dr. Gladys I. Cruz as district superintendent at its April 16th meeting. Effective May 1, 2015, Cruz will serve a dual leadership role – acting as both a field representative of the commissioner of education and chief executive officer of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).
“Gladys Cruz is a highly respected and experienced school leader,” said Questar III Board President Robert Gibson. “The board was unanimous in its conviction that Gladys has demonstrated the ability to lead and work cooperatively across our region and beyond – and we are very excited to appoint her as our next district superintendent. Her prior experiences with our organization will enable Gladys to move Questar III forward in providing even stronger support and opportunities for the education of our children and the school districts that we serve.”
Cruz is well-known across the region and state. Over a 30-year span, she has established a distinguished career as a teacher and education leader. Since joining Questar III in 1998, Cruz has served in a number of leadership positions including chief operating officer/deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of school improvement and BETAC specialist. During her tenure she has expanded Questar III’s School Improvement services, initiatives and relationships with staff development networks and the New York State Education Department.
Cruz began her career as a teacher in Puerto Rico and her education experience ranges from K-12 schools to universities in New York State and Puerto Rico. In addition, she worked briefly as director of curriculum services for the New York State Education Department.
She holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction and a master’s degree in curriculum development and instructional technology from the State University of New York at Albany. In addition, she holds a master’s degree in bilingual education and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and English from La Universidad del Turabo in Puerto Rico.
Cruz said she looks forward to continuing her work in support of local students and school districts. “I am honored to accept this extraordinary opportunity to lead such a collaborative, innovative and responsive organization. Moving forward, we will continue to put a focus on student needs, collaboration and high-quality programs and services,” said Cruz.
Cruz’s three-year contract provides a total annual salary of $166,762, which is equal to the salary cap set by law for all BOCES district superintendents in New York State.
