Katonah-Lewisboro Schools Announces New Superintendent
Welcome, Dr. Blanch!
The Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education is thrilled to announce that it has unanimously identified Dr. Raymond Blanch to be the next superintendent of Katonah-Lewisboro Schools. The Board will formally appoint Dr. Blanch at its next meeting on June 20. There will be a community reception for Dr. Blanch prior to the meeting. Dr. Blanch will join the District on July 15, 2024.
“Dr. Blanch inspires the full confidence of the Board, and we enthusiastically welcome him as the superintendent of Katonah-Lewisboro Schools,” said Julia Hadlock, Board President. “We were impressed by his experience as a superintendent and his thoughtful leadership. He is committed to being accessible, visible and approachable. Colleagues describe him as an excellent listener and communicator who keeps student growth and success as the priority—all qualities identified by our community in the Leadership Profile report.”
Before this appointment, Dr. Blanch was superintendent of schools for the Somers Central School District since July 2010. He has been a teacher and leader in public education since 1994. Before coming to Somers, Dr. Blanch served as superintendent of Lewis-Palmer School District in Monument, Colorado.
Dr. Blanch earned a B.S. in elementary education from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a M.S. in educational administration from Colorado State University and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of Denver. In addition to his time in the classroom as an elementary teacher, Dr. Blanch has been a principal and assistant superintendent. He also served as executive director of assessment, research and technology.
In anticipation of his appointment, Dr. Blanch said, “It is an honor, a privilege and an unparalleled opportunity to join the Katonah-Lewisboro School District. I look forward to continuing KLSD’s commitment to learning and ensuring all learners are successful. Together, we will continue to move Katonah-Lewisboro Schools forward, leveraging the district and community's many strengths.”
The Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education has been committed to conducting an inclusive, thoughtful and comprehensive process to find its next superintendent of schools. The Board conducted multiple rounds of interviews with a very strong group of sitting superintendents from excellent school districts with established records of success.
The Board is grateful for the widespread engagement of the Katonah-Lewisboro Schools’ community, students, parents, faculty and staff members that helped guide the Board in an extensive process which included focus groups, community forums, interviews and an online survey. The Board would also like to extend its thanks to Deborah Raizes and Dr. Susan Guiney at Hazard Young Attea Associates for their many hours of hard work, extensive recruitment and professional expertise.
The Board congratulates Dr. Blanch on his new role as superintendent of schools and looks forward to continuing Katonah-Lewisboro Schools’ strong tradition of excellence and innovation under his stewardship.