The Seneca Falls Central School District has identified who will be the next superintendent.
Dr. Michelle Reed, who currently serves as assistant superintendent in the Cairo-Durham Central School District, will succeed Jeramy Clingerman this summer.
Reed will begin on July 1, 2022.
The Board of Education launched a search for the new superintendent in January 2022, with the assistance of search consultant Mike Ford, with School Leader Search, after Mr. Clingerman’s announcement that he would be leaving the district. The search began with a review of the needs of our district and community. Through a community survey, we sought input from parents/guardians, instructional and non-instructional staff members, and community members regarding the desired skills and characteristics that our new superintendent should possess.
The SFCSD thanks the community for their input during this phase. The survey results included a strong desire for a superintendent who is a team player with excellent communication skills; actively listens and seeks to understand concerns; is honest and trustworthy; demonstrates integrity; and is approachable. Areas of particular expertise desired in our ideal candidate included a commitment to professional development and growth, a strong knowledge of curriculum, and a demonstrated ability to improve student achievement.
After narrowing the initial candidate pool from 26, the Board of Education interviewed 11 candidates. The top three were then interviewed by a stakeholder committee, consisting of students, teachers, non-instructional staff, administrators, parents, and community members. The input of our stakeholder committee was essential to the process.
Dr. Reed comes to Seneca Falls with over 20 years of experience in public education as an English teacher, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and most recently as the Assistant Superintendent of the Cairo-Durham CSD. She has a proven track record of working collaboratively, and leading district-wide school improvement efforts.
Dr. Reed holds a certificate of advanced study in Educational Leadership, a Doctorate of Philosophy in English, and a Master of Arts in Teaching, from SUNY Binghamton University, in addition to a Master of Arts in English and Bachelor of Science degree from Radford University. Most recently, Dr. Reed completed the School District Business Leader Program from The College of St. Rose. She is currently a Cabinet Member of The School Superintendents Association (AASA), a member of Rotary Club, SERTOMA (Service to Mankind), Beta Rho, ASBO (School Business Leader Organization) and MLA (Modern Language Association).
“Our district has a strength in working collaboratively and valuing the perspectives and voices of all our stakeholders. We believe Dr. Reed will build upon that, and use that strength to move our district forward, for the achievement of our students, as well as continued development of our staff. Dr. Reed embraces our district motto “To Educate the Whole Child” and has shown herself to be an advocate for all students. Further, Dr. Reed has shown great interest in integrating into the community,” Board President Cara Lajewski said in a press release.
Dr. Reed and her husband David plan on moving to Seneca Falls. “I am honored to have been selected to lead the Seneca Falls Central School District. I believe in the power of public education and civic duty. I plan to be highly involved in community organizations and activities,” she said.
The Board of Education is expecting to formally appoint Dr. Reed as Superintendent of Seneca Falls Central School District at a special board meeting in the coming weeks. Once a date is determined for the special board meeting, it will be publicized. Following Dr. Reed’s appointment, the district will invite district employees, students, and community members to a welcoming reception.
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