Robert Molisani Named HS Principal to Succeed Retiring Thomas Woodruff

The Caledonia-Mumford Central School District named Robert Molisani as the new High School Principal, replacing current HS Principal Thomas Woodruff who is retiring in December 2008.  Molisani has been principal of the Cal-Mum Middle School for eight years. He officially takes over as high school principal on January 1, 2009. The fall of 2008 will allow for a smooth transition between the two principals.   

Superintendent of Schools David V. Dinolfo said after accepting Woodruff's retirement, the board met to discuss the high school principal position, and to identify a list of desired skills and qualities deemed necessary for the job.

“In our discussions it became very clear that Bob Molisani fit this profile of the type of candidate we'd be looking for,” said Dinolfo.  “I'm glad that he accepted this challenge and I'm confident that he will build upon the successful foundation that Tom Woodruff
left for him.” 

Jay Jones , president of the Caledonia-Mumford Board of Education, believes that Molisani will bring his successful leadership style to the solid foundation already in place at the high school, and build on it.  He was on the board during the interviewing process for middle school principal eight years ago and says Molisani came highly recommended by experienced school administrators.

“We as a district are very fortunate to have Bob take over the helm of the high school.  He has shown us that he has the willingness to do what it takes to get the job done and always has been fair and stayed focused doing what is right for our children and our community,” Jones said.

Molisani has been a strong supporter of the middle school concept.

“During difficult budget years he supported the students, programs and teachers of the middle school in our pursuit to not only meet the standards, but exceed them,” commented Michael Reed, seventh grade social studies teacher and president of the Cal-Mum Teachers Association. “He interacts with all of the students and shows support for their endeavors both on and off campus. He also pushes us as a faculty to strive to be better.  We, in turn, challenge ourselves to try new things and also our students,”
Reed said.

Molisani grew up in Clyde , N.Y. and graduated from Clyde-Savannah High School .  He earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from SUNY Brockport and went on to complete his graduate work in reading and administration at SUNY Cortland.  Prior to arriving at Cal-Mum Middle School , he taught K-12 physical education at Westmoreland Central School near Utica , N.Y. from 1993 to 2000
and also served as Dean of Students for grade 6-12. 

The principal says he likes the Cal-Mum School and the community.

“CMCS is a close knit family with high standards.  Students come first with our faculty. The Cal-Mum community values a successful school,” he remarked.

Molisani very much enjoyed the students and staff at the middle school but is anxious to follow those same students during their four years of high school.

“I'm interested to observe the decisions that they'll make, watch them progress through high school and see what path they will choose to take after high school,” the new high school principal said.

Posted April 14, 2008