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.
Mission
Inspire, prepare, and empower our students to lead fulfilled lives as compassionate, productive, and engaged citizens.
Vision
We aspire to be a leader in PK-12 education by offering innovative, diverse, and challenging opportunities that foster every student’s success.
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
Support
Encourage social and emotional Health
- Foster the healthy social, emotional, and physical development of all students and staff.
- Implement a plan to address student inequities.
Engage & Empower
Provide dynamic educational experiences
- Increase student engagement through diverse learning opportunities.
- Identify priority standards that are essential to future learning.
- Assess individual student needs and implement effective strategies to advance all learners.
Collaborate
Build strong, meaningful relationships
- Engage families and the extended community in supporting student learning.
Personal Electronic Devices
BOE Policy: Students and Personal Electronic Devices
Superintendent Regulation: Students and Personal Electronic Devices
A Message from the Superintendent of Schools
Dear Potsdam Central School District Community:
As we prepare to begin another school year, we would like to express our gratitude for your continued support and partnership. At Potsdam Central, we remain committed to providing an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment where every student is challenged, celebrated, and given the tools they need to thrive.
This year, I will continue using ParentSquare to share important information and updates. Please ensure that your contact information is up-to-date with your school’s main office so you don’t miss any important communications. Our mission and core values remain central to all we do, from setting high expectations and embracing diversity to treating each student as our own.
I’m proud to work alongside a team of educators who are dedicated to your children’s growth, success, and well-being. Here’s to a great 2025–2026 school year. I look forward to seeing all that our students and staff will accomplish together.
Sincerely,
Jerry Griffin
Superintendent
Potsdam Central School District
About Us Links
District Office
Superintendent: Jerry Griffin
Phone: (315) 265-2000 x 36733
District Clerk: Davida M. Martin
Phone: (315) 265-2000 x 36733
Fax: (315) 265-2048
NYSED Parent Dashboard
The NYSED Parent Dashboard provides parents with information about their child’s school and is available in addition to the New York State School Report Card.
Potsdam Educational Opportunities Fund (PEOF)
The Potsdam Educational Opportunities Fund (PEOF) represents concerned parents and others who have joined to provide Potsdam CSD educators with resources to enhance learning experiences reaching beyond the scope of the school curriculum.
Operating under the auspices of the Northern New York Community Foundation, the PEOF raises money and grants funds to PCS teachers, staff and students for the enhancement of their work with students, on the basis of competitive proposals.
The PEOF Advisory Committee, representing a broad cross-section of parents, community leaders, and concerned citizens, is working in close collaboration with PCS teachers and administrators to develop a strong and ongoing system of support for the most creative and successful initiatives that can be provided to Potsdam students.
Learn more about the Potsdam Educational Opportunities Fund (PEOF).
Positivity Project
The mission of The Positivity Project is to empower America’s youth to build positive relationships and become their best selves. One way to build relationships is to recognize and appreciate our character strengths. This can help us find common ground with one another while also celebrating our differences.
PCS Music Friends
The PCS Music Friends formed to support the music programs in the Potsdam CSD. The PCS Music Friends advocate for a strong music program at PCS and fundraising to support extracurricular music events, NYSSMA, All-County and All-State music event fees, and other needs.
Learn more about the PCS Music Friends, how to join and/or how to become a contributing member.
Sandstoner Foundation
The Sandstoner Foundation was established in 2000 by several alumni, teachers, administrators and friends of Potsdam CSD to provide scholarships and awards to graduating seniors who are continuing their education by attending college or entering the military. More than $260,000 has been awarded since 2001.