THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT /
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234
Dale L. Breault, Jr., District Superintendent of Schools
Sole Supervisory District of Franklin-Essex-Hamilton Counties
P.O. Box 28
Malone, New York 12953
(518) 483-6420
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2025
St. Regis Falls CSD names three finalists for superintendent
ST. REGIS FALLS — The St. Regis Falls Board of Education is moving forward in its search for a new superintendent. Following the application and screening process, the district has identified three qualified finalists.
The finalists advancing to the next phase of the process are:
• Mark Bennett- Bennett has served as assistant superintendent for curriculum at Potsdam Central School District since 2021. He previously held leadership roles in the district as high school principal for four years and middle school principal for four years before that. Earlier in his career, Bennett taught fifth grade for eight years at Norwood-Norfolk Central School District. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education and teaching from SUNY Potsdam, as well as a certificate of advanced study in educational leadership from SUNY Plattsburgh.
• Denise Howe-Baker- Howe-Bakers’ most recent role included serving as a literacy specialist for Measurement Incorporated in Albany. Prior to this role, she served as the special education principal and supervisor of the office for curriculum and support at Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES. Her previous experience includes operating as the grades 3–8 principal at the Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet School in Buffalo and as assistant principal at Bennett High School, also in Buffalo. She holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Potsdam, a master’s degree from SUNY Brockport, and a certificate of advanced study in educational leadership from Canisius College.
• Stacy Wheeler- Wheeler currently serves as director of special projects for Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES. Her previous experience includes four years as assistant superintendent of operations and three years as director of management and finance at FEH BOCES. Prior to her work at BOCES, she was the high school principal at Brasher Falls Central School District and a social studies teacher at Malone Central School District. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Riverside, a master’s degree from SUNY Potsdam, and a certificate of advanced graduate study from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
In the coming weeks, St. Regis Falls will conduct stakeholder interviews with a broad cross-section of the school community. Interview groups will include teaching staff, non-instructional staff, students, parents, community members, and the Board of Education. These interviews are designed to gather feedback and perspectives that will help inform the final selection.
Community members who are interested in serving on a stakeholder interview panel are encouraged to express their interest by contacting Donna Goodrich in the District Office at 518-856-9421.
The superintendent search is being led by Dale Breault, district superintendent of Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES, who is working closely with the St. Regis Falls Board of Education to facilitate the process. The district anticipates selecting its next superintendent by July 1, 2025.