Schoharie Central School will soon have a new leader.
David M. Blanchard, currently an elementary school principal in the Ballston Spa school district, was unanimously appointed as Schoharie's next school superintendent last week.
School board members Thursday approved a three-year contract with Mr. Blanchard. He is to start on July 1.
Schoharie is the right fit, Mr. Blanchard said Monday morning.
During the interview process, Mr. Blanchard made several visits to SCS.
"Schoharie was so ripe for potential," Mr. Blanchard added.
"There are great opportunities for students," such as AP and college-level courses, and a fine graduation rate.
"Schoharie does a lot of things well and I like the commitment of the staff."
Mr. Blanchard also felt he would have a good working relationship with the school board and they each had the same vision for the district.
Mr. Blanchard is the principal of Wood Road Elementary School in the Ballston Spa Central School District in Saratoga County, a position he has held since 2009.
Prior to that, he was the principal of Pleasant Avenue Elementary School in Johnstown for two years. He was also an administrator with the Gloversville Enlarged School District from 2005 to 2007, where he was also a school psychologist from 1997 to 2007.
Earlier this year, SCS officials announced that Mr. Blanchard and Chad C. Groff, the former superintendent at Jasper-Troupsburg Central School, were the finalists in the superintendent's search. The two were selected from 25 applicants.
Dr. Kathryn Gerbino has been serving as interim superintendent since Brian Sherman retired on September 1.