Principal to Resign Amid Restructuring
Avellino's departure, scheduled for the end of this school year, is part of Liverpool's preparation for the academy system.
Executive Principal Grenardo "Greg" Avellino ends his three-year term amid a turbulent restructuring process.
Read about the academy system →
Executive Principal Greg Avellino announced today that he plans to resign at the end of the school year, in accordance with Superintendent Richard Johns’ intent to eliminate the position. Johns has expressed his interest in condensing the administrator hierarchy at the high school.
Johns explained in the district’s Key Communicator report:
“I have advised the Liverpool Board of Education that I will no longer support the present hierarchical administrative structure at Liverpool High School. I believe it contributes to the depersonalization of the students in that building. As a result of this, I will be recommending the elimination of the Executive Principal position. I am looking to a structure that moves principals closer to the students and holds each of them accountable for a smaller number of students’ academic success.
I have discussed the elimination of the LHS Executive Principal position with Greg Avellino and reviewed his options. He believes it is in his best interests to resign effective at the end of this school year.”
The announcement comes just weeks after Johns announced his restructuring plan, which has certainly been a hot topic among students and faculty. Cuts and reforms are being made throughout the district in order to close a $10.3 million budget gap, caused in part by $7 million in state funding cuts.
Avellino, who was given the position in 2007, is the leader of a large administrative staff at LHS: Associate Principal Tony Davis, Annex Principal Ted Phillips, and Assistant Principals Daniel Henner, Judy Campoleita, and Amanda Caldwell. In 2008, Avellino was named the NYSTEA Administrator of the Year for his outstanding achievement in music education at Liverpool.
UPDATE (9:15pm): Mr. Avellino has sent The Lifeguard a written statement:
You can report this: Please understand and know that I have to respect the decision of Dr. Johns. This is a great school within a community that cares deeply for their children. The diversity we all bring to our school makes us the PROUD WARRIORS that we are! I am humbled with the reaction and the support I have heard and read on the Lifeguard and Syracuse.com.
BUT, I am not the only one losing my job and these are tough economic times that we all must band together and figure out how to weather the educational storm of less money and still deliver a high quality education. You, and all students are our future and in today’s times we have to do more with less.
Today, I held two staff meetings after school, one in the Annex and one in the 10-12 high school. My message was from my heart and that the focus must be on the kids and not me.
I say that not to be a martyr, but because everyday I come to LHS with pride, dignity, and respect for all. The greatest tragedies occur when we lose respect and lose focus. I am so proud of the students, the staff, and community. We will all survive together with pride, dignity and respect! Words can not describe my sadness, but my actions from now until my last day will be nothing but professional because I care for you all! Fondly, Mr. A
Loading ...Related Articles
The Lifeguard Online is a news website created for and by the students of Liverpool High School. This website is a source of student-generated reporting and entertainment created to provide a more open forum of student expression.
11 Responses
Avellino is an amazing man. He is one of the reasons that i enjoy the school so much. He brings life to the school and is close and connected to many students and staff. I don’t think there is anything that anyone has ever said bad about him. He deserves to keep his job and stay a part of Liverpool High School.
I hope one of the staff writers at The Lifeguard will allow the students to speak out on Avellino’s resignation. It’s an atrocity within our own district, it truly is.
That’s exactly what we intend to do. If any of you are interested in expressing your views with more than a comment, you are welcome to write opinion pieces or letters to the editor (200 words or more). We really want to hear from you about this.
There is no doubt that cuts need to be made, and we all know that; but Avellino isn’t the guy. He is one of the best things that has ever happened to Liverpool.
I think they should just fire Mr. Henner instead. Just an idea.
They are.
I’v already talked to numerous students about writing opinion pieces. They will be up within the next couple of days as more details come about.
My whole family is devasted by the resignation of Mr. Avellino. He is the best thing that has happened to the Liverpool School District in years. I only wish my older kids could have benefited from his leadership and hope that somehow we can stop his resignation from going through. I agree that cuts have to be made, but definitely not with Mr. Avellino.
As you all know I have a strong relationship with Mr. A, He is the best and I do consider him a dear friend. I know he will take his expertise whereever he may go. I look at it as a stepping stone in life. this is not a personal decision but a financial decision in trying times. I hope we as a school will not wish anyone to be unemployed, Its mean spirited.
WE ARE THE WARRIORS…lets stand with Mr. A, its hard enough.
PTSO President and FRIEND POPCORN LADY Gail
The economic status is something we all, as a nation, are being effected by. Cuts obviously have to be made, but I believe that there should be a spot in Liverpool for Mr. Avellino. I agree there is no need for an “Executive Principal” but they should offer him a job that keeps him involved with ALL the students. The fact is that he was offered a job to oversee one academy, but that’s not right. Maybe Dr. John’s should resign and let Mr. Avellino take his place. After all, doesn’t Mr. Avellino have better relationships with a majority of students than John’s?
A letter to my students. We all know economic times are tough and the focus cannot be on me. There are others in the district who are losing their jobs as well. As I have told my staff we have to remain focused for our kids and continue striving to do the best we can collectively. I also know people will continue to ask the right questions about the academies. We came together this past week as an academies task force and asked many questions. Time and team effort involving all stakeholders is the right way to make this happen.
I am humbled by the response of the kids, my staff, our parents and if nothing else – all of this proves I made the right decision returning here 3 1/2 years ago. As parents you need to help your children focus on their future and understand that sometimes in life decisions are made that do not feel good or that we agree with – but in the big scheme of life – there will be another opportunity. I am blessed to have worked and cared for all in LHS. Dignity, respect, and grace will help us all get through difficult times! Mr. A
Also protests, sit ins, etc will not help our situation. Please be proactive and give input to the changing structure!