The Edwards-Knox Central School District has started its search to fill three administrative positions as Superintendent Erin E. Woods, Elementary Principal Lura Hughes, and Director of Student Support and Special Education Amy Sykes have all officially submitted letters of retirement to the Board of Education.
All three administrators have played vital roles in shaping the Edwards-Knox school environment. Superintendent Woods has spent close to a decade serving the district, while both Hughes and Sykes grew up attending Edwards Central School, and returned to work alongside their own former teachers, eventually growing into dedicated leaders.
The change in leadership will come in phases. Sykes’ final day in her position will be Monday, August 31, while Hughes’ will continue her role as Elementary Principal through the end of October. Woods’ official retirement date is Monday, January 11, 2027.
The Board plans to appoint a new superintendent by September 1, at which time Woods would transition into a new role as Deputy Superintendent until she retires.
By staying with the district as Deputy Superintendent, Woods will guide the new administration as it becomes established, and help ensure the 2026-27 school year launches in a strong and stable direction. In this position, Woods will serve as a coach, mentor, and advisor to the new administrative team so they can continue leading the district to future success.
The Board of Education will work in partnership with St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES District Superintendent Darin Saiff, who will serve as a search consultant throughout the process of hiring a new District Superintendent. A new “Superintendent Search” page of the school district website can be found under the “Featured Links” section of the homepage, where updates will be shared throughout each phase of the hiring process, and a detailed timeline is posted.
Celebrating the storied careers of three outgoing E-K leaders
District Superintendent Erin E. Woods will be retiring following more than 32 years spent in education. She joined the Edwards-Knox team in August of 2018, and said since then, she’s witnessed firsthand the impact each member of staff has on making the district so special.
“The heart of Edwards-Knox has always been the collective commitment of its school board, faculty, staff, and community, and I will forever be grateful for the kindness, dedication, humor, resilience, and care that surround our students every day,” said Superintendent Woods.
Prior to her years at the helm of the Edwards-Knox administrative team, Woods worked as a Special Education School Improvement Specialist with SLL BOCES, and before that, served as Superintendent of Schools and Elementary Principal at Lisbon Central School District. Woods began her career as a Special Education Teacher at Ogdensburg City School District, where she then moved into the positions of Director of Special Education and later, Elementary Principal.
Throughout her time at E-K, in collaboration with a strong administrative team, Woods has led the district through many positive changes. Some accomplishments she is most proud of include building updates that have benefited both students and the wider community, such as upgrading the pool, establishing a fitness center for student and community use, and building the Cougar Field House, now used as both an outdoor classroom and a space for community concessions and events. Woods worked with the county to bring a School Resource Deputy to the district and later hired a dedicated School Resource Officer. She partnered with United Way to hire a Community Schools Coordinator, opened a food pantry/Student Support Center, and kick-started a program to hire student-workers, providing employment opportunities and teaching students important skills to prepare them for the workforce. Woods’ care and commitment to both the school and the wider Edwards-Knox community has shined through each initiative she’s put forth.
“I am grateful for the trust you’ve had in my leadership,” added Woods. “What an honor it has been to be an Edwards-Knox Cougar. I will forever cherish my E-K students for years to come.”
Elementary Principal Lura Hughes has been a Cougar for her entire life. She graduated from Edwards Central School, later to become Edwards-Knox, in 1986, and proudly returned as an elementary teacher in 1992. Early in her career, Hughes was able to work alongside some of her former teachers, who she said became mentors and shaped the foundation of her work as an educator. Hughes was promoted to her current role as Elementary Principal in September of 2014.
“I am incredibly proud of the work that continues at the center of Edwards-Knox Central through thoughtful programs, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to doing what is best for children,” said Hughes. “Serving this community as both a teacher and principal have been some of the greatest privileges of my life. My belief in its people, its purpose, and its spirit remains unwavering.”
Director of Student Support and Special Education Amy Sykes has held a variety of roles in her time with Edwards-Knox. She began with the district in 1997 as a chemistry teacher, then moved into a leadership role as high school principal intern, and was appointed as high school principal in 2013; a position she held for 12 years before transitioning to her current role. Sykes also grew up in the community, and said several of her former teachers played a significant role in shaping her instincts as a young educator. She said serving as high school principal remains one of the most meaningful chapters of her career because of the incredible staff she had the privilege of working alongside.
“We faced challenges together, celebrated successes together, and made sure we never lost our sense of humor along the way,” explained Sykes. “In every role I’ve held, I’ve been fortunate to work with people who genuinely care about this school and the students in it.”
One initiative Sykes is particularly proud of was incorporating experiential learning through field trip opportunities for students. Through extending learning beyond the classrooms, students grew in confidence, independence, and perspective. Sykes said it was incredibly meaningful to witness their growth.
Thank you to Erin Woods, Lura Hughes, and Amy Sykes for their shared dedication and care for Edwards-Knox students, staff, and the entire school community.