BoE Appoints Next Principal & Assistant Principal of Grafflin

Board of Education
Jane Kimmel Shepardson
President

Warren Messner
Vice President

Superintendent
Christine Ackerman, Ph.D.

The Chappaqua Central School District is proud to announce that Debbie Alspach and Ryan Spillane will continue to lead Douglas G. Grafflin Elementary School as Principal and Assistant Principal. Both Alspach and Spillane have been serving in these roles on an interim basis after previous Principal Carol Bartlik became the District’s interim K-12 Director of Literacy. They were appointed to their new roles at the January 24, 2023 Board of Education Meeting.

“I am thrilled to have both of these incredible educators continue to be part of the Grafflin school community,” said Dr. Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools. “Their extensive combined experience at Grafflin will allow for a smooth transition for our students, families and staff as they settle in officially as principal and assistant principal.”

Ms. Alspach began her career in Chappaqua as a classroom teacher at Westorchard Elementary 23 years ago and has served as the Assistant Principal of Grafflin from 2004 to 2022. In her almost 30 years in education, Ms. Alspach has served as a classroom teacher in grades K-6, a math specialist, and a District technology teacher.

Ms. Alspach reflected on this opportunity by saying, “I look forward to continuing my work as the educational leader for students, staff and parents in a school that I treasure. It is my promise as the Grafflin principal, along with the teachers and staff, to continue to put its students first and work diligently to ensure their success.”

Ryan Spillane has served the Chappaqua school community as a physical education teacher for four years, three of which were at Grafflin. Before coming to the Chappaqua Central School District, he worked in the South Bronx as both a physical education teacher and a K-6 classroom teacher. Ryan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland, a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Long Island University, and he is currently enrolled in the Future School Leaders Academy program through Bank Street College.

Mr. Spillane shared, “Grafflin has been a second home and family to me and I look forward to continuing a strong partnership with the staff and parents to make every child feel included, valued, and, ultimately, to be successful.”

Congratulations to Principal Alspach and Assistant Principal Spillane. This Grafflin leadership team will continue to be an asset to our students and #WeAreChappaqua community.