Randolph Academy has added Dr. Lynn Marie Fusco to its board. Dr. Fusco was superintendent and CEO of Erie-1 BOCES, where she served from 2015 until her retirement in 2022. Prior to BOCES, she served as superintendent of Alden Central School District for seven years, followed by three years with the Niagara Wheatfield Central School District. Her administrative experience also includes 10 years as director of Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel for the East Aurora Union Free School District, and three years as principal of the Pembroke Intermediate School.
In addition, Fusco has extensive experience as an instructor and special educator. She began her career as a special education teacher for 10 years with Aspire, part of the United Cerebral Palsy Association. She later held special educator roles with Royalton-Hartland Junior/Senior High School and Pembroke Junior/Senior High School. She also served as an adjunct instructor with the University at Buffalo, as well as a graduate course instructor and researcher with Buffalo State College.
“Dr. Fusco is a well-known, highly respected education expert, with decades of experience spanning several communities across Western New York,” said Randolph Academy Board President Mary Myers. “We’re so very pleased that our partners at New Directions identified her as a candidate, knowing our students, teachers and staff will all be well-served by her knowledge and counsel.”
Fusco earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education, as well as a master’s degree in Special Education, from Buffalo State College. She added a doctoral degree in Learning and Instruction, with a minor in Educational Administration and Policy, from the University at Buffalo in 1993.
“Randolph Academy offers an important opportunity for kids and families that just doesn’t exist in typical public schools,” Dr. Fusco said. “It’s unique, individualized and effective. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough of these opportunities for kids who need them. Having been a special educator, and in public education in general, I’ve seen firsthand that there are always needs beyond what’s available.”
“I’m not sure we could have dreamed up a more ideal background composition for a board member,” added Randolph Academy Superintendent Danielle Cook, Ph.D. “In addition to her vast administrative and special education experience – she just happens to live adjacent to our Hamburg campus! That has given her a literal window on our students and staff for years, and we’re confident her relationships will open even more doors for us to serve even more students in need across the region.”
“It’s also very interesting to now be on the other side of the table,” Fusco added. “For all those years as a superintendent, I was the one reporting to a board. This gives me a chance to experience things from the other perspective, and I’m just thrilled to be joining this team.”
