The Edwards-Knox Board of Education has chosen two finalists in the search for the district’s next Superintendent of Schools.
The district has been working in partnership with St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES District Superintendent Darin Saiff, who is serving as a search consultant throughout the hiring process. The Board of Education began reviewing applications in early July, with the first round of confidential interviews taking place in mid-July. The Board then narrowed the pool of candidates down to two, Jessica Sullivan and Kristin Towne. Both candidates will now advance to stakeholder group sessions and community presentations.
Jessica Sullivan brings 18 years of educational experience to the table, including nine years in leadership positions. She currently serves as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Gouverneur Central School District. While at Gouverneur, Sullivan also served as Middle School Principal and Assistant Principal. Sullivan earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from St. Lawrence University, where she also received School Building Leader and School District Leader certifications. She also earned a Master of Science in Teaching from SUNY Potsdam.
Kristin Towne offers 29 years of experience in education, including nine years in leadership roles. She currently serves as Potsdam Central School District High School Principal. Before taking on that role, she was the PK-12 Building Principal at Hammond Central School District and High School Assistant Principal at Salmon River Central School District. Kristin earned School Building Leader and School District Leader certifications from St. Lawrence University, a Master of Science in Education in Instructional Technology from SUNY Potsdam, and a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education from SUNY Potsdam.
On Monday, Aug. 10, both candidates will participate in interviews with staff, student groups, and administrators. Those interviews will be followed by community presentations, where each candidate will have 15-30 minutes to share more information about themselves with district residents. Following their presentations, there will be an opportunity for community members to ask questions. All faculty, staff, and community members are invited to attend the presentations, which will take place in the district auditorium also on Monday, Aug. 10. Kristin Towne will present first, beginning at 6 p.m., with Jessican Sullivan following at 6:45 p.m. Attendees will be asked to provide feedback, which will be shared with the Board of Education.
Current Superintendent Erin Woods announced her retirement in May. She will continue in her role until the board chooses a final candidate, at which time she will transition to a new role as Deputy Superintendent until she retires. Woods’ official retirement date is Monday, January 11, 2027.