GERMANTOWN—Susan Brown, principal of the Germantown Elementary School, has been named superintendent of the Germantown Central School District effective September 1. Her contract goes from that date through 2015, at an annual salary of $132,500.
The search for a new superintendent began in February, drew 38 applicants and was narrowed to four finalists before the Board of Education appointed Ms. Brown at its Wednesday meeting.
Ms. Brown, 54, has been the elementary school principal for eight years. Prior to joining the Germantown district in March 2005, she worked at the Hudson City School District as elementary school computer teacher and assistant principal at the middle school.
Ms. Brown holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta and a master’s degree and certificate of advanced studies from SUNY New Paltz. She has three children, all of whom are graduates of Germantown High School.
“As superintendent, I will build upon my experiences and partnerships with the school community,” Ms. Brown said in a press release. “Looking ahead, we will sustain the Germantown Central School District by exploring revenue opportunities, improving system efficiencies and communicating and collaborating with all stakeholders.”
The audience of about two-dozen people rose to their feet to applaud Ms. Brown and the board’s decision. Board president Eric Mortenson echoed their enthusiasm. “Sue Brown has done a fantastic job as elementary principal,” he said in the release. “It was clear we had an internal candidate that possessed the qualities we were seeking in our next district leader.”
Ms. Brown replaces Patrick Gabriel, who retired in January and continues as interim superintendent through August.
Steven Savoris, a regular at school board meetings, said he was pleased with the choice. Mr. Savoris, whose wife teaches at the high school, said of Ms. Brown, “The teachers trust her.”
