La Salle Institute names Calacone new Head of School

He takes over for Colonel Joseph Raczkowski who retires after serving nearly 25 years in various leadership positions at the school.

Kevin Calacone

Dr. Kevin Calacone, La Salle Class of 1999, has accepted the position of President of La Salle Institute, effective July 1. Calacone is currently serving as principal of the Schoharie Jr./Sr. High School in the Schoharie Central School District, a position he has held for nine years. Prior to his time in Schoharie, Calacone was an English teacher, department chair, athletic coach, and Dean of Academics during 11 years at La Salle Institute.

“It is a tremendous honor to be named as the next president of my alma mater,” Calacone said. “La Salle Institute has helped me become the educator and leader that I am today. I am excited to be returning to a place I have called home for so many years and to have the opportunity to work with past, present and future generations of Cadets.”

As principal in Schoharie, Calacone helped implement a $19.5 million renovation of his school building and participated on research teams examining the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on education and the impact of the Yondr phone pouch program in schools across the country. Calacone has earned degrees and certificates from The College of St. Rose, Russell Sage College and Harvard University. He holds professional certifications in School Building Leadership and School District Leadership through the New York State Education Department.

Calacone will take over for Colonel Joseph Raczkowski who retires after serving nearly 25 years in various leadership positions at La Salle, including four years as principal and three years as president.

“I am forever thankful to La Salle Institute for providing me with the tools to be successful at West Point, and throughout my career in the military, and I have been blessed to have the opportunity to work with so many wonderful members of the administration, staff and faculty during my tenure at La Salle,” Colonel Raczkowski said.

Under Colonel Raczkowski’s leadership, La Salle Institute built a turf athletic field, revitalized 10 classroom spaces to build a STEM Center, built a new strength and conditioning center, transitioned to a co-educational school, raised over $8 million dollars through a capital campaign, broadened the academic curriculum, improved the overall safety and security of the school, increased enrollment by over 40 percent, and initiated the building of a softball field that will be completed before the end of this academic year.

“I am very proud of all that we have accomplished with the support of our staff and faculty, the Board of Trustees, our alumni, friends, and our families,” said Colonel Raczkowski. “I appreciate all the wonderful people who supported me, to include my wife and family, without whom we couldn’t have done all that we did. The seven years I served as principal and then president provided me the invaluable opportunity to serve the sons and daughters of our families in helping them build a solid foundation for their futures. I wish Dr. Kevin Calacone the very best and I am positive that under his leadership and with continued support from our alumni, La Salle will continue to be successful.”

LSI Board of Trustees Chairman David Brennan, ’87, added: “Colonel Raczkowski’s excellent leadership as president has positioned La Salle Institute for continued academic success and growth in the areas of enrollment and development. With Kevin Calacone poised to take it from here at this time in our history, I have no doubt we will continue to grow and thrive in every way.”

La Salle Institute is an independent Catholic college preparatory school serving boys and girls in grades six through 12. Founded in 1850, La Salle affords students the opportunity to realize their full potential and inspires them to lead as responsible members of their community with a commitment to truth, honor, and duty. To learn more, head to www.lasalleinstitute.org.