The Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES is pleased to announce the selection of the new FEH BOCES District Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer.The FEH BOCES Board formally appointed James Knight, Jr. at its July 14th meeting. He’s set to begin his official duties as District Superintendent on September 14th.
“Throughout the search process, James Knight, Jr. has demonstrated a clear commitment to public education, collaborative leadership, and student success,” said FEH BOCES Board President Dennis Egan.
“The Board of Education is confident that his experience, vision, and ability to build strong partnerships will serve our component districts well. We look forward to working with James as he leads FEH BOCES into its next chapter, expanding opportunities for students, supporting our school communities, and advancing our mission of educational excellence throughout the region.”
Knight previously served as a special education teacher at Brushton-Moira and Beekmantown Central School Districts, where his experience also included serving as the middle school assistant principal and principal. After leaving Beekmantown CSD, he served as the middle school principal in the Malone Central School District for 7 years, before spending the last 7 years as the superintendent of schools for the Northern Adirondack Central School District.
Knight says the work of the BOCES is critically important, particularly as New York State shifts toward the Portrait of a Graduate and expanded graduation pathways. He looks forward to leveraging his passion for cross-curricular, project-based learning to ensure every child in this region has the best chance to succeed.
“I am honored to serve the BOCES in this new capacity. As District Superintendent, I plan to enhance our valued partnerships with the component school districts and their communities to provide opportunities for student success and local workforce development,” said Knight.
Knight will replace District Superintendent of Schools Dale Breault who is retiring in August after six years of service to FEH BOCES.
The search for a new district superintendent began earlier this year with the position being listed with state professional organizations and advertised in several print and online publications. The search process was guided by feedback received from area board of education members, school administrators, BOCES employees, students, and community members. During the search process, Knight interviewed with the FEH BOCES Board as well as with the superintendents of the component school districts, and other stakeholder groups. He was one of four candidates interviewed for the position.
Knight also recently met with the New York State Commissioner of Education for a final interview and assessment of his qualifications and experience. As BOCES district superintendents serve a dual role acting as both the chief executive officer of a local BOCES and as the regional representative of the Commissioner of Education, the approval of the commissioner is required before a BOCES can appoint a final candidate.
Dr. Turina Parker, the district superintendent of the WSWHE BOCES, worked with the FEH Board as a consultant during the search process.
Knight earned his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Union College and Master of Science degree in special education from SUNY Plattsburgh, along with additional graduate work at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
He lives in Altona with his wife Sara who is a special education teacher, and they are the proud parents of young adult twins, Anika and Nolan.