PRESS RELEASE:
February 23, 2024
Grand Isle Supervisory Union Welcomes new Superintendent
The Grand Isle Supervisory Union board is pleased to announce Dr. Lisa Ruud as the next Superintendent of the Grand Isle Supervisory Union. Dr. Ruud’s extensive experience as an educator, leader, and researcher positions her well to serve the GISU schools and communities.
Whitney Maxham, Board Member from Alburgh and member of the Search Committee had this to say, “Lisa was personable and genuine throughout the interview process. What really stood out to me was when asked about a 3 year vision for the supervisory union, she had very clear, well thought out ideas that made you feel excited to see her step into the role of superintendent. She was both complimentary of our strengths and empathetic to our challenges.”
Dr. Ruud was hired after a thorough search that included input from the community, parents, faculty, and staff, including a community-wide survey and day-long site visits to all the GISU schools and faculty and parent/community forums. The fourteen-member search committee represented all communities and all stakeholder groups. It was unanimous in its recommendation to the board.
Tanya Retz, North Hero community member who served on the Search Committee has this to say, “I believe Lisa will be a strong leader for GISU. She is an empathetic and active listener and seemed eager to learn both the positives and the challenges that face the district. She is highly qualified for the position and, importantly, willing to continue to expand her knowledge base in order to best serve the GISU. Welcome, Lisa!”
Dr. Ruud will relocate to Vermont after living her personal and professional life in upstate New York, where she currently serves as the Administrator of Academics for the Chatham, NY School District. Her previous experiences have included being Director of Curriculum and Instructional Technology, an Associate Principal at the Montgomery C Smith Elementary School in Hudson, NY, Managing Coordinator for Instructional Services on the E-Learning Team at the Northeastern Regional Information Center, and as a teacher.
"I'm excited to see how Lisa takes the good work the GISU is doing and expands upon it. She is student-focused and thinks outside the box. I think this is a recipe for success for all learners, teachers, staff, and families in our schools," stated Ashley Hanlon, Principal of the Grand Isle School and member of the Search Committee.
Dr. Ruud has a Bachelor of Education from SUNY Potsdam, a Masters in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology from SUNY Albany, and a Doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership - also from SUNY Albany.
Lisa had this to say about her new role. “I am excited to serve the communities of Alburg, Folsom, Grand Isle and North Hero as their next Superintendent of Schools because of - you! I am inspired by each and every person I’ve met so far. I met dedicated and strong faculty and staff and dynamic, driven principals and leaders. I listened to passionate parents/guardians and community members. I saw students who were curious and joyful. I met staff who nourish our kiddos and take care of our building and grounds. I connected with many staff at GISU that work hard to serve all of our communities. I recognized communities that embrace and are proud of what makes them special. I appreciated the desire to learn from each other and grow together. I saw people of different roles looking to understand conflict and design our path forward. And this - I saw the spectacular beauty of the land and water you call home. It takes all of our voices, understanding and efforts to provide the conditions for our kiddos to fully engage in their learning. Thank you to those I met for welcoming me to your communities. It is an honor to be of service with you. With so many more yet to meet, I can’t wait to meet you too.”
The Grand Isle School District Board unanimously approved Lisa Ruud as the district’s next leader at its February 8 board meeting. Dr. Ruud will begin her work in the district on July 1, 2024.