Huntley eyes shifting his job to Queensbury

MASSENA — School district Superintendent Douglas W. Huntley is one of two finalists for the same position in the Queensbury Union Free School District in Warren County.

Mr. Huntley, who has been Massena Central School District superintendent since the 1995-96 academic year, said he was interested in the new job for the professional challenges the larger district provides.

"This has been a long tenure, as a matter of fact," he said before Monday evening's Board of Education meeting. "Going by superintendent of schools standards, 13 years is a long time in one place."

Mr. Huntley is being considered to fill a vacancy being created with the retirement in August of Brian Howard, who has been Queensbury superintendent for six years.

The new position pays $155,000 to $170,000. Mr. Huntley now earns $155,628 annually.

However, pay was not his primary concern.

"It's really not," he said. "It's the challenge, and there is a family consideration that helped in terms of making the application. It's not a salary issue at all."

Considering how long Mr. Huntley has been district superintendent, Board of Education President Julie L. Reagan said she was not surprised that he had applied for the Queensbury job.

"He has been a district superintendent for 12 years and has very good standing in the state as a superintendent," she said. "Recruiters have sought him out, and this was a similar situation."

Though Mrs. Reagan said the transition between superintendents can be difficult, the district was not necessarily facing a change.

"It's premature to comment on whether he's leaving the district at this point," she said.

Mr. Huntley will spend April 8 in Queensbury, where he will meet with district administrators and parents.

Also being considered for the job is Valerie Kelsey, superintendent of Schalmont Central School District, Rotterdam.