Board of Education

The Potsdam Central School District Board of Education is made up of nine members elected by district residents, each serving a three-year term. The Board is responsible for setting policies and overseeing the management of the school district.

As a corporate body established under New York State law, the Board acts as a whole during official meetings. Individual members do not have authority over school matters outside of these sessions unless officially delegated by the full Board.

If you have questions about Board matters, please contact the Board President, Superintendent, or District Clerk.

Mission

To inspire, prepare, and empower our students to lead fulfilled lives as compassionate, productive and engaged citizens.

Goals

• To work closely with the community to ensure that Board actions and performance take into consideration the concerns and aspirations of the community;
• To identify the educational and technological needs of the community and industry, and to transform such needs into programs aimed at stimulating students and preparing them for future careers;
• To meet the obligation of establishing a district budget, consistent with its responsibilities to the district’s taxpayers, that provides for the proper distribution of resources to enable the school system to achieve its goals and to carry forward the Board’s policies; to meet the obligation of establishing a district budget, consistent with its responsibilities to the district’s taxpayers, that provides for the proper distribution of resources to enable the school system to achieve its goals and to carry forward the Board’s policies;
• To maintain and enhance high quality learning opportunities for students to excel in academics, athletics, and extra-curricular experiences;
• To employ a Superintendent of Schools capable of ensuring that the district maintains its position as an outstanding school system, and that school personnel carry out the policies of the Board with energy and dedication;
• To provide leadership in order that goals and objectives of the district, as set forth by the Board, can be effectively carried out. Board action should be confined to policy-making, planning and appraisal with the Board delegating authority to the Superintendent for the implementation of policies;
• To maintain the highest standards and to promote the effective education of the District’s students through ongoing professional development and review of current educational research;
• To act as a collective body, not as individuals, as part of an educational team consisting of administrators, faculty and support staff, and, at all times, to foster mutual respect and regard for the responsibilities of the different team members;
• To ensure that matters brought before the Board are considered and treated fairly and impartially; and
• To evaluate the Board’s performance in relation to these goals, and to establish and clarify policies based upon the results of such evaluation.

View Policy 2000: Board Operational Goals

Meetings

All meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Potsdam High School’s Multi-purpose Room unless stated otherwise.

If a meeting is scheduled at least a week in advance, notice will be given or electronically transmitted to the public at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. A special meeting may be called upon 24-hour notice to Board members.

View Policy 2340: Notice of Meetings

To view the Meeting Schedule, visit the Meetings, Minutes and Agendas page.