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 providing 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

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 Families and Community,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!

As another exciting year begins, I want to thank our students, families, staff, and community members for the continued trust and support you show our schools. It is a privilege to serve a community that cares so deeply about the success of every child.

This year marks an important step forward for the Potsdam Central School District as we begin implementing our new District Commitments and continue developing our Portrait of a Potsdam Graduate. Together, these initiatives reflect what our community believes every student deserves and the knowledge, skills, and character we hope every graduate will possess when they leave our schools.

Our work this year will be guided by three simple commitments:

● Every Student Belongs. We will continue building strong relationships and creating welcoming, inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued and connected.

● Every Student Grows. We will provide engaging, challenging learning experiences that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity and prepare students for success beyond graduation.

● Every Educator Improves. We are committed to continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation so we can provide the very best educational experience for every student.

These commitments build upon our district mission to inspire, prepare, and empower students to lead fulfilled lives as compassionate, productive, and engaged citizens. They also reflect the voices of the many students, families, staff, and community members who helped shape our Portrait of a Graduate through surveys and conversations over the past year.

As always, communication with our families remains a priority. We will continue using ParentSquare to share important announcements, celebrations, emergency notifications, and school updates throughout the year. Please make sure your contact information is up to date with your child’s school so you receive timely communications.

I am proud of our dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators who work tirelessly each day to support our students. Together, we will continue creating opportunities for every student to learn, grow, and succeed.

Thank you for your partnership and for being such an important part of the Potsdam Central School District. I wish everyone a wonderful, safe, and successful school year.

Go Sandstoners!