The Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES Board of Education has appointed David Itzo as Administrative Coordinator of Adirondack Academy.
Itzo’s career has centered around special education, alternative education, student support, and school leadership. He previously worked at HFM BOCES as a special education teacher and was part of Adirondack Academy during the program’s early years. From there he moved into administration roles at Herkimer BOCES before joining the Rome City School District, where he served as a dean of students and most recently as an assistant principal at Rome Free Academy.
As an educator who has always been drawn to students who may not have found success in a traditional school environment, he feels alternative education provides an opportunity to look beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and considers what each student needs to be successful.
“I believe strongly in relationships, consistency, structure, and high expectations,” said Itzo. Students need adults who will hold them accountable, but they also need to know those adults genuinely want them to succeed.”
Itzo holds a NYS Certification in School Building Leadership and Special Education, a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction, and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, all from SUNY Plattsburgh.
Returning to Adirondack Academy in an administrative role is especially meaningful to Itzo and he welcomes the opportunity to be back at a program and organization that were an important part of his own professional journey.
“Coming back to HFM BOCES feels a little bit like coming full circle,” said Itzo. “I was a teacher here when Adirondack Academy was still relatively new, and my experiences at HFM played an important role in shaping the educator and administrator I became.”
Itzo is originally from the South Glens Falls/Lake George area and recently moved back toward the Capital Region where he owns a dog rescue with his wife. Outside of education, he enjoys the local music scene and staying active outdoors.
