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
The St. Regis Falls Central School District Board of Education is pleased to announce its selection of Denise Howe-Baker as the next superintendent of schools.
Following an extensive search and thorough interview process, the board plans to approve a contract for Howe-Baker at its next scheduled meeting on June 17. She is expected to officially begin her duties on July 1, 2025.
Howe-Baker most recently served as a literacy specialist for Measurement Incorporated in Albany and previously held a variety of administrative roles, including principal of special education at Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES, grades 3–8 principal at Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet School in Buffalo, and assistant principal at Bennett High School.
“The St. Regis Falls Board of Education would like to extend its sincere thanks to the three finalist candidates for the superintendent of schools position,” said board President Maggie Engels. “All were well qualified and devoted considerable time and effort to be part of the process. We are grateful and honored to have such experienced, high-quality individuals express their desire to be part of our district and community.
Ms. Howe-Baker was the chosen candidate for several reasons, including her background in special education, her extensive education in literacy, her experience as a school leader, and her commitment to our community. We are excited to have the opportunity to welcome someone from within our own St. Regis Falls community to lead our school in a positive direction.”
Engels added that under Howe-Baker’s leadership, the board hopes to increase student enrollment, retain staff, and strengthen trust and communication between the school and its stakeholders.
Howe-Baker, a SUNY Potsdam graduate with additional degrees from SUNY Brockport and Canisius College, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the community where she resides.
“I am humbled, honored, eager, and beyond overjoyed to bring my teaching and leadership experience to the learning community in which I reside and love so much, one that means so much to me,” Howe-Baker said.
She emphasized the importance of building strong, collaborative relationships as she steps into the role.
“One of my goals is to establish a transparent, collaborative, and trusting relationship with the St. Regis Falls Board of Education, faculty, staff, scholars, families, and learning community members,” she said. “I intend to create opportunities to listen and engage a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring all voices are heard to build trust, understand the district comprehensively, and reignite excitement for the district's mission and vision.”
Howe-Baker also expressed her commitment to student-centered leadership.
“A focus will be on instructional programming to close academic and opportunity gaps while addressing the educational and social-emotional needs of all scholars,” she said. “I intend to explore a myriad of avenues to afford the scholars of the St. Regis Falls Central School District experiences that they will remember forever.”
The superintendent search was facilitated by Dale Breault, district superintendent of Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES. Finalists participated in a series of interviews with stakeholder groups including faculty, staff, students, families, and community members, as well as the Board of Education.
Howe-Baker was one of three finalists identified from a strong pool of applicants. The Board cited her thoughtful approach, collaborative spirit, and deep ties to the community as key factors in her selection.