Pictured with Dr. Tarkan Ceng (center), are from left: South Kortright Central Scool Board of Education members, Brian Dengler, Randy Hungerford, Allen McClure, Mary McMullen andTerri Chichester, board president; Dr. Tarkan Ceng; Jefferson Central School Board of Education members Jessica Hendrickson, president; Jessica Terk, Marc Lawrence and Frederick Blumberg. Andrew VanGlad is not pictured.
By Liz Page
At a special joint meeting of the boards of education for the South Kortright Central and Jefferson Central school districts on Feb. 25, Dr. Tarkan Ceng was appointed as a shared superintendent for the two school districts.
Ceng has served as superintendent at JCS for the past six years and with the announcement by Doug Wyant that he intended to retire as superintendent as SKCS, SK extended the option to explore the idea of sharing a superintendent, according to Jessica Hendrickson, president of the JCS Board of Education.
The idea of a shared superintendent was the path SKCS board members chose to move forward and they found Jefferson to be the right partner, according to a press release. The shared superintendent model will be a pilot for the districts for the next 15 months. If it works, it could be extended.
South Kortright Board of Education president, Terri Chichester, stated in the release, “On behalf of the South Kortright Central School Board of Education, I am honored to extend a warm welcome to our interim shared Superintendent, Dr. Tarkan Ceng. We are thrilled to be working with someone who has shown dedication, understanding, and has experienced the challenges facing rural schools but can also see the great benefits it has to offer. I would also like to extend our gratitude to the Jefferson Central School board of education, staff, students, and community for sharing your superintendent during this transitional period. We recognize the importance of his role within your district and genuinely appreciate the spirit of collaboration and support you have shown. We believe this partnership will not only strengthen our schools but will also foster a broader sense of unity and overall commitment to education.”
While some district residents have expressed some concerns about the shared Jefferson/Stamford sports teams, Hendrickson said they will not be affected at all. “All existing shared services and agreements with all other districts remain unchanged. All of Dr. Ceng’s duties and responsibilities at Jefferson will still be required of him.”
"We are sharing a superintendent, much like we would share a business official, teachers, school psychiatrist and other personnel," said Hendrickson. "We heard the taxpayers loud and clear after the last budget vote."
Sharing the superintendent will be a substantial savings for JCS, she continued. “Taxpayers wanted us to save in this area. Nothing will change except he will not be in our school building as much." JCS will save more than SKCS because SKCS was not paying all of the same items in the contract for their former superintendent, she said.
Hendrickson said there were no "secret" meetings, but the boards were bound by confidentiality as they would be while discussing any other personnel issues. She said they were asked to consider it and she believes it is a logical step with the state pushing for regionalization. "I said I would keep an open mind," she and the more it was discussed and the logistics were worked out, the more she favored the proposal. She believes it is a way for smaller, rural school districts to retain their identity and not merge.
“As a proud rural school, we believe it’s crucial to continuously seek ways to collaborate with neighboring districts in order to provide the best opportunities for our students while also achieving cost savings for our taxpayers," stated Hendrickson in the release. "These efforts not only enhance our collective ability to thrive, but they also allow us to maintain the autonomy, identity, and culture that make each district special. While the idea of sharing a superintendent may initially seem daunting, the benefits it brings—both in savings and in opportunities—are invaluable and difficult to achieve otherwise. We’re grateful to South Kortright for trusting us with this collaboration.”
“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the stewardship of these two outstanding rural school districts. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply the knowledge and experience I have gained over the past six years as a rural school superintendent to benefit both the Jefferson and South Kortright school communities. While each district has its own unique identity, traditions, and strengths, both share a deep commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for students. I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to support and strengthen each district while preparing our students for a bright and successful future." stated Dr. Ceng in the release.
On Tuesday he said he plans to maintain a balanced presence in both districts.
Dr. Ceng will start his work as the shared superintendent of South Kortright and Jefferson on March 8, 2025.
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