At its June 22 meeting, the South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education appointed Rudy Arietta as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, effective July 1, 2023.
In his new role, Arietta will be responsible for leading the development, organization, implementation, and evaluation of the district’s instructional program, as well as designing professional development for teachers, staff and administrators.
Arietta will succeed Brian Culot, Ed.D., who was named Superintendent of Schools last month. “Mr. Arietta has extensive experience as a highly effective educator and administrator. Over the past four years in our District, he has distinguished himself as a strong educational leader focused on elevating, engaging and inspiring both students and staff. I look forward to continuing our work together,” said Culot.
As Principal of Tappan Zee High School since July 2019, Arietta has managed the daily operations of the school. His responsibilities have included the supervision and evaluation of faculty and staff, preparation of the annual budget for school operations, coordination of the master schedule and curriculum changes, management of the TZHS COVE program in collaboration with Rockland BOCES and active participation in numerous District- and building-level advisory committees, including the Superintendent’s Administrative Council, Executive Leadership Team, Professional Development Committee, Curriculum Council and District Curriculum Leadership Teams. A student-centered leader, Arietta has engaged students and staff members in building a positive, inclusive school culture and expanding opportunities for student interest-driven courses and extracurricular programming.
Previously, Arietta was Principal at Ardsley High School from 2015-2019, where he led curriculum initiatives including Stanford University’s Challenge Success program, created a wellness center to address the social and emotional needs of students and staff, and explored alternative approaches to master scheduling with a faculty committee. Prior to his principalship, Arietta was Assistant Principal at Ardsley High School (2012-2015) and at Nyack High School (2009-2012).
Before becoming an administrator, Arietta taught Social Studies for 11 years at Nyack High School and served for two years as the Department Chair for grades 6-12. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and African American Studies from Fordham University, a Master of Arts degree from Teachers College Columbia University, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz. A Tappan Zee High School Class of 1993 alumnus, Arietta plans to complete his Doctorate in Education for Educational Leadership at Manhattanville College in the coming year.
“Being able to participate in our district wide work on how we can best support teaching and learning is very exciting to me,” Arietta remarked. “I am very thankful to Dr. Culot, the hiring committee led by Dr. Lloyd, and the Board of Education for giving me the opportunity to play a large role in that work. I am looking forward to engaging our administration and faculty on how best we can continue to move the district forward.”