Board of Education Announces Selection of Daniel D. Bowles as Superintendent of Schools

It is with great pride and excitement that the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education announces its selection of Daniel D. Bowles, the current associate superintendent for teaching and learning, as the district’s new superintendent of schools. The Board of Education will formally approve Mr. Bowles’ appointment at its meeting on Monday, April 1. He will begin his duties as superintendent on July 1, 2019. “During the rigorous search process, Mr. Bowles stood out among a highly-qualified field of candidates because of his passion for our district and his proven track record in making effective, student-focused decisions,” North Syracuse Board of Education President Michael Shusda said. “We truly believe that Mr. Bowles has the right blend of leadership skills and experience to keep our district moving forward.” Bowles has dedicated more than twenty years of his educational career to North Syracuse students, starting in the district as a school counselor at Cicero-North Syracuse High School in 1997 and staying through 1999. He began working as a school district administrator in 1999, first serving as an associate principal at Gillette Road Middle School, then a principal at Roxboro Road Elementary School in 2001 and moving into the central office role of Director of Elementary Education in 2008. From 2012 to the present he has served as the district’s Associate Superintendent.

Prior to his work in North Syracuse, he served as a school counselor in the Utica City School District. His educational experience includes certification of advanced study in educational administration from SUNY Cortland in 1999, a master’s degree in educational counseling from St. Lawrence University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from St. Lawrence University. Mr. Bowles also holds permanent New York State Certification as a school district administrator and as a school counselor.

“I’m honored and humbled to have been selected,” Bowles said when discussing taking on his new role. “This is an exciting time and I look forward to collaborating with staff and all district stakeholders to encourage a robust and challenging environment for all students that allows them to be competitive in any college or career that they choose. By working together, we will continue the great things that are happening and emphasize opportunities such as STEM, CTE, inclusion and more.”

Bowles will succeed current Superintendent Annette Speach, who will retire this year after more than 30 years of service to the North Syracuse Central School District.

“We would be remiss if we did not thank Superintendent Annette Speach for her leadership and dedication to the district over the years,” said Board of Education President Michael Shusda. “We are pleased that our current and future superintendent will be able to work together with the Board of Education over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.”

The North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education launched a rigorous, nationwide search for a new superintendent in November with assistance from Dr. William Silky, an educational consultant with Castallo & Silky, LLC. In addition to job postings and advertisements, the search included a community survey that helped the Board establish priorities for the desired qualities in a suitable candidate. The search also included committee interviews.
Board of Education President Michael Shusda offered his thanks to all candidates. “We were very fortunate to receive letters of interest and applications from more than a dozen candidates, all of whom would have been assets to the district in their own ways. We extend our appreciation to all the candidates for their interest in the North Syracuse Central School District.”

Members of the Board of Education would like to thank everyone in the district and in the North Syracuse community who offered their time and input into this important decision. In the months ahead, please join us in supporting Mr. Bowles as we, as a community, start this new chapter for North Syracuse Central School District.