West Canada Valley Central School District Board of Education members announced today, Wednesday, Oct. 25, that they have selected Jeremy Siddon as the district’s next superintendent.

Siddon, who is currently a Wells Central School District principal/athletic director, will begin as West Canada Valley superintendent on Jan. 1, 2024.

“I am extremely honored to be selected as the next superintendent of West Canada Valley Central School District,” Siddon said. “I want to thank the Board of Education and the community for this tremendous opportunity.”

West Canada Valley Board of Education members overseeing the hiring process decided unanimously on Tuesday, Oct. 17, to select Siddon as the next superintendent, pending a contract agreement.

The Board of Education anticipates formally appointing Siddon to the position during the next board meeting on Monday, Nov. 13.

Finalists for the position met with stakeholder groups and participated in a virtual community forum on Monday, Oct. 16. Following the forum, community members participated in an online survey to express their opinions on strengths and concerns for the finalists. There also were two other online community surveys during the search process. All of the community and stakeholder feedback was reviewed during the board’s decision process.

“The board was very thankful we had a large pool of talented candidates to narrow down through this quite lengthy process,” West Canada Valley Board of Education President Jessica Bartlett said. “With the help of all stakeholders, the community and the support of Sandra Sherwood from BOCES, we’re confident Mr. Siddon is an excellent addition to West Canada Valley.”

The Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES district superintendent’s office served as the search consultant for West Canada Valley’s superintendent search. Now-retired Herkimer BOCES District Superintendent Sandra Sherwood oversaw the initial phases of the search including preliminary discussions with candidates before their Board of Education interviews.

Retired Sauquoit Valley Central School District Superintendent Ronald Wheelock is serving as West Canada Valley’s interim superintendent until Siddon starts in January.

“West Canada Valley Central School District has a rich tradition of academic excellence,” Siddon said. “I am looking forward to working with the Board of Education, administration, teachers, staff, students, families and the community and furthering students’ performance at all levels.”

Bartlett said she expects Siddon to be a great benefit to the West Canada Valley school community.

“Jeremy is not only talented in many areas of the profession, his values, demeanor and personality fit well with the needs of our district,” Bartlett said. “We’re excited to be working with him soon.”

Siddon currently resides in Fonda with his wife, Cortney, and two daughters, Stella and Riley. He holds an associate degree in liberal arts from Morrisville State College, a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Potsdam in secondary education history and two master’s degrees – one from New England University in educational leadership and another from Canisius College in school administration supervision. From 2007 until 2013, Siddon was employed by Massena Central School District, where he started as a middle school social studies teacher, before moving into various administrative positions. He has held his position as principal/athletic director at Wells Central School District since 2013. He also has various other professional certifications, credentials and awards.

After going through the interviews, stakeholder meetings and community forum, Siddon is excited for the next steps.

“Throughout the process, it was quite clear that the community and the West Canada Valley Central School District play a vital role in the students’ success,” Siddon said. “I can’t wait to get started and join the West Canada Valley Central School District.”