High School Principal’s Corner

Amanda Lyons-Gonyea started in her role as 7-12 principal in April 2025, bringing both a blend of experiences and genuine enthusiasm for fostering a positive and cohesive learning environment to the district.

Originally from Kingston, New York, Lyons-Gonyea’s journey to education began with a stint in STEM. After earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Clarkson University, where she met her husband Don and became acquainted with the North Country, she initially ventured into a career in Maryland. However, she soon realized her passion lay elsewhere.

“I really loved the ‘mathy’ part that I was doing, but I was no longer interested in looking at a computer screen all day long,” she said. “It just wasn’t for me.”

This realization led her back to academia, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in education, both from SUNY Potsdam.

Lyons-Gonyea is no stranger to the Edwards-Knox community. She began her teaching career through a St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES program that was housed on the E-KCS campus.

“That’s how I first found Edwards-Knox,” she said, recalling the warm and welcoming atmosphere she experienced even then.

While she went on to teach at Brasher Falls Central School District for a short time and then spent the last six years at Canton Central School District, Edwards-Knox remained a place she admired.

Since joining the Edwards-Knox team on April 14, 2025, Lyons-Gonyea has immersed herself in the school community. Her first week involved close collaboration with Amy Sykes, the outgoing principal now serving as director of student supports and special education.

Lyons-Gonyea also spent her first week dedicating time to get to know students and staff.

“At this point, I’m just trying to be out there and be seen,” she said, adding that she’s been studying the yearbook and learning the intricacies of the school’s operations. In fact, she’s already making connections with students.

“I would even say I know some now, even after one week,” she said. “Just being out there and engaging with them is fun!”