Switzer takes the helm at Queensbury High School

Local resident Damian Switzer was recently named principal of Queensbury High School, a place where he previously taught and served as assistant principal. In his new administrative role, he will be responsible for building leadership, instructional leadership and for maintaining quality relationships with students, parents, employees and the larger community.

“I’m excited to return to Queensbury as an instructional leader. It’s an outstanding school district,” said Switzer. “I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with students and staff to continue to move the high school forward.”

Switzer’s leadership and supervisory responsibilities will reflect recent increases for all public school principals under new state and federal regulations. For example, time spent supervising the teaching process will increase as schools meet new state regulations for teachers’ Annual Professional Performance Reviews. Switzer will also oversee the coordination of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which the high school is on target to implement by the 2014-15 school year.

Just a few of his additional responsibilities include: establishing and promoting high academic standards and expectations for students and staff; establishing and maintaining a healthy, safe learning environment; directing the implementation of all school-related activities; administering the school budget; assisting with the development and evaluation of curriculum; supervising all staff in the school; supervising and evaluating extracurricular programs; and communicating with students, parents and the community.

“Damian Switzer made many valuable contributions to the Queensbury learning environment during his 10 years at the high school. We are happy to welcome him back, and I look forward to seeing how his excitement for education translates into great opportunities for our students,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Douglas W. Huntley.

Switzer comes to the high school most recently from Bolton Central School District, where he served as the principal for grades pK-12 since July 2007. Prior to that, he spent three years as an assistant principal and seven years as a physics teacher at Queensbury High School. He originally came to Queensbury after spending eight years teaching physics and physical science at Beekmantown Central Jr./Sr. High School in Plattsburgh.

Switzer earned his bachelor’s degree in physics and education from Siena College and his master’s degree in administration and supervision from SUNY Plattsburgh. In addition to his teaching certifications in physics and general science, he is also state-certified as a school district administrator and a school administrator and supervisor. He is currently a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Empire State Supervisors and Administrators Association, and the Science Teachers Association of New York State.