Joseph Lenz was sworn in as the Pine Bush Central School District superintendent of schools at the board of education’s reorganization meeting Tuesday, July 8. He took over the role on July 1.

 

 

 

The board announced his appointment in April, after a months-long search for a new district leader. The board utilized the services of Orange-Ulster BOCES to facilitate the search. They held community and student forums, gathered information through a public survey and formed a committee to help determine the type of leader needed for the district before making their recommendations.

 

Ultimately, the board chose Lenz, who has been with the district since July 1, 2022 as its assistant superintendent for business. Prior to that, he served as assistant superintendent for business at the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery and Port Jervis school districts. He started his career in education at Schalmont Central School District in Schenectady as a school business administrator and district clerk. He is chief finance officer of the OU Health Plan and the newly appointed chairperson of the Orange – Ulster School Districts Workers Compensation Plan, both volunteer positions.

 

 

When he was appointed in April, Lenz expressed his gratitude to the board and shared their common mission.

“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to lead our amazing district,” said Lenz. “I am honored by the trust that has been placed in me by our board of education. We work together well and certainly share the most important mission – to provide a quality education for our students that prepares them for whatever path they choose – be it a career, higher education or military service.”