About Us

Potsdam Central School District is located in the Village of Potsdam, a rural community in St. Lawrence County, New York. Potsdam is nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains near the St. Lawrence River. The district consists of about 100 square miles, with the village of Potsdam in the center. The village has a population of about 10,000 and is proud to be the home of Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam.

Core beliefs

• Students are our first priority.
• All students are capable of learning and experiencing success.
• We commit to provide a safe, respectful environment.
• We embrace diversity, act with kindness, and preserve the dignity of each person.
• We promote teamwork and value all voices in decision-making.
• We treat all with fairness and equity.
• We encourage and support creativity.
• We build strong relationships and instill good character through modeling and teaching.
• We cultivate gratitude and are thankful for the gifts and talents of all.
• Partnerships with our families and community are essential to our success.

Strategic Plan

A Message from the Superintendent of Schools

Dear Potsdam Central School District Community,

Our mission at Potsdam Central School District is to provide the best education to all students, equipping them with the necessary tools for success and preparing them to be productive, contributing members of society. We are committed to creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment that sets high academic and behavioral expectations for all, uses research-based best practices, focuses on personalized learning, and prioritizes student growth and success.

As the superintendent and a father of a college student myself, I am acutely aware of how quickly time flies by. It feels like just yesterday I was watching my own child start his journey through school in Kindergarten, and now he is on the cusp of embarking on his professional career. I understand the importance of cherishing each moment that makes up the school year, and I share in the joy and pride that you feel as parents, guardians, and community members. It is an incredible privilege and responsibility to serve you and your families again for another school year.

In all our actions and interactions, we are guided by our core values:

• We prioritize success by providing students with limitless learning opportunities and working as a team to ensure their achievement.
• We foster an inclusive, open-minded, and supportive environment within our school district by treating everyone fairly and equally, embracing diversity, and promoting cultural awareness.
• We strive to be reflective and thoughtful, always seeking to improve and provide the best for our students.
• We treat each student as if they were our own child, meeting their needs with dedication and compassion.
• We uphold integrity, adhering uncompromisingly to our commitment to education and our students.
• We value honesty, hard work, and dedication, always striving to make the next day better for our students.
• We focus on being equitable and uplifting, creating opportunities for all, and fostering creativity, leadership, and respect.