New Roots Charter School Announces New Dean

March 19th, 2009

PRESS RELEASE

(ITHACA, NY-March 19, 2009)

With over 15 years of experience teaching in a variety of educational settings, Mr. Rodolfo (Rudy) Blackman has been named by the New Roots Board of Trustees as its first Dean of Students.

Mr. Blackman received a BS in Spanish Language and Literature from Binghamton University in 1991. He completed his MSED from the School of Education and Human Development at Binghamton University in 1993, and is certified to teach K-12 students in New York State. He is currently completing the requirements for his school building leader credentials through Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

"Rudy's experience demonstrates his ability to support the success of students from all backgrounds. Glowing references commended him for his professionalism and his tremendous capacity to create strong relationships with students and parents alike, relationships that inspire every student to meet and exceed high standards for behavior and academic achievement," said Tina Nilsen-Hodges, New Roots Charter School Principal. "Rudy is a warm and thoughtful person who is passionately committed to the mission and vision of New Roots Charter School. I cannot imagine a better partner with whom to share the responsibilities of school leadership."

Mr. Blackman emigrated from Panama in 1977, along with his grandmother, brother and cousin. He completed his public school education in the New York City Public School system before attending Binghamton University. For the last 13 years he has been a dual language/bilingual teacher at Seymour Dual Language Academy, an inner city school on the west side of Syracuse, New York. In addition, he has worked with youth and adults in the Onondaga County Justice Center as an ESL and Life Management instructor, and as a community outreach liaison for the migrant farmers outreach program through the Onondaga County Department of Health. He currently lives with his wife and two sons in Clay, New York.

For more information, please contact: Jason Hamilton, Chair of the Board of Trustees, 339-6994.