New Rochelle Schools Superintendent to Leave in October

Richard Organisciak, superintendent of the City School District of New Rochelle, will be leaving his job October 25.

He had originally planned to stay through the 2013-14 school year, but said that his departure might be sooner.

The following letter was posted Friday on the district Web site:

Dear Parents, Colleagues & Community Members,

Last week I announced to the Board of Education my intention to retire by June 30, 2014.  At that time, I left open the possibility that my retirement might come sooner based on certain circumstances.

It is with deep regret therefore that I inform you that I will in fact retire on October 25, 2013 as recent health related developments have created a major challenge.  After conferring with my family and my medical team, I feel it is necessary to accelerate my retirement.  

I am grateful to the New Rochelle Community for the opportunity to have served as your Superintendent.  During these seven years, with your support, I feel we have made great progress, despite formidable obstacles, in changing the landscape of education in our community.  

As I prepare to move on, I have advised the Board that I will be available to them and my colleagues as much as possible during the transition period.  It has been an honor and pleasure to be your Superintendent, and I wish you all the very best.  You and the children of New Rochelle deserve nothing less.

School Board President David Lacher said the board would likely choose a professional search firm to find Organisciak's replacement.

He said a request for proposals would be going out by the end of September.