Becoming Dutchess BOCES new deputy superintendent is more than a career move for Salvador Contes Jr. It taps into his passion for creating partnerships and connecting with people.
Contes, who prefers to be called Sal, noted that this “is the perfect position for me as it gives me the opportunity to create partnerships with the community.”
When he starts May 11, he will bring more than 30 years of experience in educational leadership to the new role. Contes has served as a teacher, principal and director in the New York City Education Department and as an assistant principal in the Poughkeepsie City School District. Most recently, he served as Arlington Central School District’s director of instructional services since 2022.
He has lived here for 11 years with his wife, Tracey, and daughter, who attended Wappingers Central School District.
“Sal brings significant experience in leadership and CTE to the role, has been a partner to our BOCES, and knows our region well. His background aligns strongly with the work of the BOCES,” District Superintendent Dr. Jodi DeLucia said. “
Range of experience
Contes has experience across a variety of educational areas. In Arlington, he led the strategic implementation of a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework to create a consistent academic, behavioral and socio-emotional support system for K-12 students districtwide.
He has mentored other leaders on the importance of fostering inclusive environments and has worked to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and what industry needs.
Throughout his career, Contes has employed technology to help students and staff achieve goals. He built a New York City-wide learning and professional development program and co-wrote and co-supervised a School Improvement Grant to establish the first-ever online credit recovery program in Poughkeepsie City School District.
“Knowing what BOCES does and how it is connected to the community makes me feel like it is coming home,” he said.
His role
Contes believes in creating opportunities for all students, something his mentors shared with him. “Throughout my career, whether building support systems or leading in the classroom, I’ve remained focused on one goal: ensuring our programs truly support every student’s success, regardless of their needs,” he said.
He looks forward to starting in his new role and working with our students, staff, and partners.
Staff should know that he values collaboration. “Listening is key,” he said, adding that he plans to meet with as many people as he can when he first comes on board. “I am committed to listening, learning from your expertise, and providing the tools and conditions you need to succeed with our students.”
Looking at the future, Contes is excited about expanding opportunities through professional development and programming. He hopes to help create a leadership pipeline in the county. “We could take individuals from the very start of their career and show them their potential career ladder from Teaching Assistant (TA) to superintendent.”
After school
Outside of work, Contes enjoys spending time at home with family and his mini-goldendoodles. He also likes working with his hands on woodworking projects around the house or automotive maintenance.
Service to others also carries through to his free time. Contes volunteers with Family Partnerships, TEGFCU (as a member of its Supervisory Committee) and the Dutchess Medical Reserve Corps.
He strives to be “as well-rounded a person as I can be,” he said of his varied volunteer experiences.
We look forward to welcoming him to our BOCES community.