GUILDERLAND — Frank Tedesco says he loves kids.

He started last Monday as the interim principal at Guilderland High School; he’ll see the school through its fall opening and is slated to work up until Dec. 1, when a permanent replacement is to take over.

Tedesco, 58, has spent more than three decades in education. For the last 27 years, he has worked at the Niskayuna School District. He recounted his many roles at Niskayuna with enthusiasm.

He began there as a high school guidance counselor; then, after four years of counseling, he spent the next four as an assistant principal. He then became director of pupil services where he oversaw special education, remedial programs, testing, and school psychologists and nurses.

That was followed by a dozen years as an elementary-school principal, and then the last few years — before retiring in January — Tedesco was the district’s administrator for human resources.
Asked which job was his favorite, Tedesco answered without hesitation, "I’ve loved it all. I love kids at all ages. Schools are just a great environment to work in...It keeps you young at heart."

Tedesco and his wife, Donna, who live in Latham, have three children of their own — Frank Jr., Meghan, and Christopher — all grown.

Tedesco himself grew up in Rochester, the second oldest of seven children. He served in the armed forces in Korea from 1966 to 1968.

He is a graduate of Saint John Fisher College in Rochester, where he majored in psychology.

Tedesco came to the Capital Region for a graduate degree from the University at Albany; he earned an Ed. S., Education Specialist degree, 30 hours beyond a master’s degree, in advanced counseling, he said.
Tedesco said he found his half-year of retirement "rejuvenating" but considers the five-month stint at Guilderland "an exciting opportunity."
"It’s great to get back in school with an end in sight," said Tedesco. "I want to contribute and I know I will learn a lot at Guilderland."
Asked about his plans for the next five months, Tedesco said, "My role is to be principal and have people see me....At the same time, I’m not going to commit a new principal to my own priorities. Basically, I want to see that there’s a terrific start to the new school year."
He concluded, "I’m just happy to be here. I’ve heard such wonderful things about the Guilderland School District over the years."

"Seasoned veteran"

Ismael Villafane, who had been the principal at Guilderland High School for two years, announced he was leaving in June for a warmer climate because of his wife’s rheumatoid arthritis. Villafane, who spent decades as an educator in Texas, is returning there to be principal of Riverside High School near El Paso.

Villafane followed John Whipple, who was principal at Guilderland for 14 years.

Superintendent Gregory Aidala told The Enterprise that, once Villafane announced his resignation, he and the Susan Tangorre, the district’s administrator for human resources, met with teachers, administrators, and supervisors in three groups.

They decided there wasn’t enough time to hire a new principal before the start of the school year and instead sought an interim principal so a thorough search could be conducted.
"We didn’t publicize it," said Aidala of the interim post; two people were considered, he said.
Tedesco, he said, "had experience at another Suburban Council school district at all levels." Aidala called Tedesco "a seasoned veteran."
Aidala went on, "He’s got an excellent track record. His references said he’s very approachable, he works hard, he pays attention to details, and he gets the job done."

The school board unanimously appointed Tedesco to the interim post at its July 5 meeting. He will be paid $450 a day.
Tedesco spent last week introducing himself to staff and familiarizing himself with Guilderland High School, Aidala said. "He’s really digging in," said the superintendent.

To lay the groundwork for finding a permanent new principal, Tangorre and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Nancy Andress spent two days in June, Aidala said, meeting with teachers, office staff, teaching assistants, and administrators to hear their requirements for a principal.
"We’re looking for a good fit," said Aidala.

The post will be widely advertised and candidates will be screened by a committee made up of staff as well as administrators, he said.
Aidala named some of the qualifications for the new principal. Candidates should be experienced at the secondary level as teachers and administrators. They should be leaders "who can motivate people." They should be "strong communicators" and good problem-solvers, he said.
Finally, the superintendent said, "We want someone who’s student-centered and people oriented."