The Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District has begun the search process for a new leader.
Superintendent Matt Sickles announced he had accepted the Superintendent position at the Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District on Thursday, June 9. Sickles has served as the superintendent for the Phelps-Clifton district- known as Midlakes- since 2017.

Outgoing Midlakes school district Superintendent Matt Sickles. Credit: PCSCSD
Sickles accepts position in Capital region, will stay in Midlakes district through summer
“While Mr. Sickles will remain with the District for much of the summer, the Board of Education has already begun working with our partners, including Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, to launch an extensive search for a new Superintendent and provide leadership to the District while that process is carried out,” said Midlakes Board of Education President Jake Amidon in a letter to the community on Friday.
Amidon thanked Sickles for his “nearly five years of tireless dedication and service” to the district.
“To say this is a bittersweet moment is an incredible understatement. I am looking forward to moving closer to my family, but it will also be difficult for me to leave Midlakes,” said Sickles in a press release. “I have enjoyed my nearly five years as part of this caring community. I will always be grateful for the amazing people I have had the pleasure to work with and proud of the work we have done together on behalf of our students.”
The decision to accept a new position in the Capital region marks a return to Sickles’ roots. He grew up in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County and holds degrees from Siena College (bachelor’s in history) and Union College (master of arts in teaching), according to a release from CRCSD.
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