H'port school chief stepping down in June
BY MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

Chris Brown

HAMMONDSPORT- A popular and long-time superintendent will be stepping down from the Hammondsport Central School district at the end of June.

Christopher Brown, 37, recently told the district board of education he will become superintendent of West Genesee School in Syracuse.

He began his career as a teacher at the district 14 years ago, later working in other positions until he became superintendent eight years ago.

Brown said he chose to return to his native Syracuse to be closer to his

family, and, in particular, his ailing father.

He said the decision to leave Hammondsport was not easy.

"I look back at this, and the people that helped me grow into the leader I am today, and I thank them all," Brown said. "This was not a stepping stone to someplace else."

Brown's tenure as superintendent marked a period of stability after years of change in leadership. During the past 20 years, the district has had eight superintendents, with several on board less than two years.

Brown's character, knowledge of the district, and consistency in dealing with issues provided a platform for the school to develop its academic excellence, capital projects and strong community presence, said board President James Zimar.

"He is masterful at seeing the big picture," Zimar said, adding Brown's character is an important element in his abilities.

"We are very fortunate his whole package was a good deal."

Zimar said Brown's longevity in the district helped people see the difficult decisions he made were consistent and even-handed.

"And the first thing that comes to mind is he left us in very good shape financially," he said.

From the start, Brown put together budgets that included modest annual increases that prevented what he termed "the roller coaster effect." The school also began downsizing as a way to reduce costs and handle a shrinking student population.

He was also instrumental in raising the awareness that the district - with a high percentage of free and reduced lunches - receives less state aid than similar districts. The aid is based on a wealth index that takes into account the number of vacation homes in the area.

Under his management, the district also built a new bus garage and made significant upgrades to the existing Main Street and Curtiss schools.

Earlier this year, Brown announced classes at the Curtiss school, on Bauder and Lake streets, would be moved to the main campus at the end of the 2009-10 school year. The move is due to the district's shrinking enrollment.

Plans are for the school to keep the building for use as a community center, and lease space for educational, community or medical services.

Those plans will be carried out, Zimar said.

Brown said he is proud of the school's academic success and high standards that create opportunities for students after high school.

Elementary School Principal Kyle Bower has been appointed by the district board to succeed Brown. The two will be working closely together for a smooth transition, Brown said.

"It's been a good run," he said. "The district's at the top. This change has nothing to do with money. This community has always treated me, and my family, phenomenally well."