Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES has selected Christopher Barnard as its next district superintendent, bringing in an administrator with leadership experience across several Finger Lakes school districts.
The BOCES Board of Education, in agreement with State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa, selected Barnard for the position. His appointment is expected to be formally approved at a special board meeting Monday.
Barnard most recently served as superintendent of the Manchester-Shortsville Central School District. He previously led the Dundee Central School District from 2021 to 2023.
Earlier in his career, Barnard served as principal at Palmyra-Macedon Intermediate School and assistant principal at Victor Junior High School.
He also recently served as president of the Wayne-Finger Lakes Chief School Officer Executive Committee, giving him experience working directly with superintendents and school leaders across the region.
Barnard was also one of 30 superintendents and educators from across the country selected to participate in a two-week professional development program in Japan and South Korea focused on education systems and practices.
“I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to serve the Wayne-Finger Lakes region as District Superintendent,” Barnard said. “This region has shaped both my personal and professional life, and I care deeply about the students, schools and communities we serve.”
BOCES Board of Education President Pam Pendleton said Barnard’s ability to build relationships and collaborate with school districts stood out during the selection process.
Barnard has also served on the Sands Family YMCA Board and the ARC Ontario Community Advisory Board.
He is scheduled to begin his new role Nov. 2.
Cathy Hauber, who also serves as Monroe One BOCES district superintendent, has served as interim district superintendent for Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES for the past eight months.
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