BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

MASSENA — Ron Burke has officially been appointed as the next superintendent of the Massena Central School District after the board of education approved his hiring.

Burke has received a three-year contract, set to begin on July 1, upon approval by the board.

Officials also took action on an interim appointment for current Superintendent Pat Brady, who was originally set to retire on June 30. Brady had offered to stay on a little longer to assist in the transition to Burke.

Brady has served as the superintendent of Massena Central School District since July 2015. He will soon retire after 35 years in education, which includes 18 years as a superintendent with both Potsdam Central and Massena School Districts.

Burke currently serves as the Canton Central School District superintendent and is expected to begin his time at Massena on Aug. 1, district officials say.

During last week’s board of education meeting, numerous members of the Massena School District wished Brady well in his retirement.

Massena Federation of Teachers President Randal Freiman thanked Brady for his years of service and dedication to the school, the teachers and children in the district.

“I greatly appreciate you, and I know that you’ve made a huge difference here at the school. So, thank you so much,” he said.

Members of Massena Music Friends were also in attendance, presenting Brady with a gift to thank him for his dedication to the music department.

Carol Pulley, who was on hand for the dedication, complimented Brady for being present at seemingly every district event.

“That takes a lot of dedication, and you are one dedicated individual,” she said.

Pulley also thanked Brady for his years with Massena, wishing him the best of luck in the next chapter of his life.

But the compliments didn’t end there, with both Robert Gray of C&S Companies and Transportation Director Darrin Jock both complementing Brady on his work for the district.

“I know I speak for not only C&S, but everybody on the construction team, Superintendent Brady, you have been great to work with. Everybody really appreciates your patience, your understanding, your leadership,” Gray said.

Jock also acknowledged Brady’s willingness to remain open minded when he came up “with some pretty wild ideas and ran them by him.”

“I try to make them the best I can and leadership has always been supportive. I appreciate you being here in the transition. It was quite a step going from a district you’ve been at 25, 26 years to this and it was seamless. It was like I’d known him forever. I appreciate all your support, and I hope you have a wonderful retirement,” Jock said.

Brady took a moment to thank faculty and staff alike saying everyone he has worked with has been “incredible” and have put students first.

“That’s where our focus should be, and I think when you put students first and make decisions based on that, you make the best decisions you can, including in some of the challenging times we’ve been through,” Brady said.

Brady also took a moment to thank Jefferson Elementary School Principal Duane Richards Jr., who is retiring on July 30. Richards has been in the role since July 2004 and has also worked as the district’s director of special services for the last year.

“All you need to do and all you need to know is go down to Jefferson Elementary and just spend a minute there at the opening and watch the kids come in, and all the hugs and the parents’ smiles and the staff,” Brady said. “I’ve been here eight years. I don’t know if I can count on one hand any concerns that had been raised at Jefferson Elementary under his leadership. He’s just been tremendous. He’s got a big heart. He cares. Congratulations on your retirement.”