Schuylerville High School is once again searching for a new principal after Mark Brooks resigned effective Dec. 1. 

The announcement was made by Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman on Nov. 24. The announcement said that Brooks was resigning for “personal reasons.” 

“I understand this news is unexpected but can assure you that the high school building and district will continue to run seamlessly during this time of transition,” Dr. Sherman said. “We wish Mr. Brooks the best moving forward.” 

In his place, Dr. Sherman said Mark Doody will serve as interim high school principal. Doody was the Hudson Falls Central School District Superintendent for 13 years and retired from the district in 2015. Since retirement, Doody has served in various interim roles throughout the state. 

Brooks’ hiring was approved by the school board in May 2025 to replace longtime principal James Ducharme who left Schuylerville in July to serve as superintendent for the Cambridge Central School District. Brooks’ first day at Schuylerville High School was July 1. 

A milestone more than a decade in the making, Schuylerville High School senior Ethan Passage earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America and an honor attained by only a small percentage of all Scouts nationwide. For Passage, the journey began in first grade as a young Cub Scout. 

By fifth grade, he had advanced into Boy Scouts, where he began working steadily toward merit badges, leadership milestones, and the ultimate goal he set for himself early on: Eagle Scout.

“It’s been seven years of hard work,” said Passage. “Being able to finish what I started means everything to me,” Passage said. “I gained a lot of friendships, and it was really about the people around me who helped me get there.”

To earn Eagle Scout, candidates must complete a capstone service project that demonstrates leadership, project management, community engagement, and perseverance. Passage knew he wanted his project to connect with his long-standing interest in animals, the environment, and public health. The inspiration struck during horseback rides along the Saratoga Siege Trail, a flat, half-mile walking trail that runs beside Fish Creek and connects Route 4 and Evans Street.

“I was riding the trail on my horses and getting eaten alive by mosquitoes,” Passage said. “It made me think—maybe there’s a way to help both the trail and the environment.”

Passage’s answer was bat houses, also the title of his project. He says New York’s bat population has been struggling in recent years, and lower numbers contribute to increased mosquito activity. Passage realized that providing safe nesting spaces could help support the bat population while also making the trail more enjoyable for residents and visitors. He proposed, planned, organized, and led the installation of 15 bat houses along the Saratoga Siege Trail.

Passage secured funding from donations—including contributions from his grandparents and mother—and used tools his family already had in their garage. The Village of Victory also played a key role, offering support as the project aligned with the village’s ongoing restoration efforts on the trail.

“It makes me very proud,” he said. “Seeing this project get done is definitely rewarding. When I walk down the trail and see the bat houses, I say to myself, ‘Wow, I did that!’”

Passage’s successful board of review is now complete and he is expected to be officially awarded the Eagle Scout rank by the beginning of the next calendar year. After graduating from Schuylerville, he plans to pursue a pre-veterinary bachelor of science degree, with the long-term goal of working in emergency veterinary care. 

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will open its 14th Annual Photography Show with a Holiday Reception on Monday, December 1, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. The celebration will take place in the beautiful new Welcome Cabin, part of The Larry Gordon Outdoor Education Center at the Town of Wilton’s Historic Camp Saratoga.

The evening will include an awards ceremony recognizing the winning photographs. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the winning images displayed in the Welcome Cabin. Guests are invited to enjoy a festive holiday reception celebrating another successful year for Wilton Wildlife.

A cherished annual tradition, the Photography Show brings together photographers, naturalists, and community members to appreciate the unique landscapes and wildlife of the Saratoga Sand Plains with images that celebrate the mission of Wilton Wildlife with its focus on environmental education, outdoor recreation, and conservation.

This year marks the first time the event will be held at the newly completed Welcome Cabin, the centerpiece of Phase I of the Larry Gordon Outdoor Education Center. In addition to the winning photographs that will be featured in the Welcome Cabin, the online gallery for the show will also open on December 1. To see the online gallery go to https://www.wiltonpreserve.org/annual-photography-show Light refreshments and friendly conversation will round out the evening, and all are welcome to attend.

The Welcome Cabin is located at Camp Saratoga (90 Scout Rd, Wilton, NY) and is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. In addition to the winning photographs, visitors can engage with exhibits about the natural and human history of the Saratoga Sand Plains and the hands-on exhibits and activities for kids.

Registration for the exhibition opening is appreciated. For details about the Annual Photography Show or the Larry Gordon Outdoor Education Center, or to RSVP, contact the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. For trail conditions, program updates, or general information, visit www.wiltonpreserve.org. Wilton Wildlife’s mission is to provide environmental education and opportunities for outdoor recreation while supporting conservation of ecological systems and natural settings.

Ag Science teacher Mary-Elizabeth Sedgwick (Foote) has been named the 2025 CASE Model Teacher, a major accomplishment in agricultural education. The national award from the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inquiry-based instruction, professional development, and student success. Sedgwick, who has taught agricultural science for nine years, is being recognized for transforming her classroom into a highly rigorous, hands-on learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking and real-world application. She holds eight CASE certifications, allowing her to offer a robust, sequential pathway for Schuylerville students, covering everything from Animal Health and Veterinary Science to Agricultural Research and Development.

The Model Teacher recognition also spotlights Sedgwick’s incredible dedication to building program resources. She has strategically secured more than $50,000 in grant funding from organizations including CASE, the National FFA Organization, and local community partners. This funding ensures students have access to modern, industry-relevant equipment, from Vernier sensors and lab workstations to a state-of-the-art mobile maple syrup production facility. 

The program’s success has received New York State Career and Technical Education endorsement, and Schuylerville students have collectively earned over 200 college credits through the articulation with SUNY Cobleskill.

The real impact of the CASE curriculum, however, is seen in the students. Class of 2024 graduate, Juliana Schulze, who enrolled in Food Science on a whim, initially focused on animal science. Through the hands-on work and curriculum, Juliana discovered a deep, unexpected passion for the field. Her newfound interest led her to compete in the New York FFA Food Science Career Development Event, where she placed third out of over 100 participants, helping her team secure a state victory. Today, Juliana is a sophomore at Delaware Valley University, majoring in Food Technology with a focus on food safety.

“It is because of the CASE curriculum that she was exposed to an industry she had not previously explored, opening doors and paving the way for a meaningful career,” said Sedgwick.

Beyond her work in Schuylerville, Sedgwick is a recognized leader in agricultural education. She has served as a CASE Lead Teacher for three years, mentoring colleagues across the country and running her own “CASE: Now What?” mini-workshops to help fellow teachers implement the curriculum effectively. Looking ahead, Mrs. Sedgwick plans to launch the Agricultural Research and Development (ARD) course as a capstone experience, encouraging students to conduct authentic scientific research. Her long-term vision includes expanding the Schuylerville program to a full 6-12 pathway.

“Mary’s impact on our Agricultural Education program is nothing short of transformative,” said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman. “Her passion, innovation, and commitment to hands-on learning have elevated opportunities for our students in ways that will benefit them for years to come. Being named the 2025 CASE Model Teacher is a well-deserved recognition of the remarkable work she does each and every day.”

An awards ceremony was held at the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo, during which she was presented with a commemorative plaque and $1,250 of Vernier Science Education supplies for her classroom.

A total of 116 Schuylerville High School students took part in the SUNY Adirondack Instant Admit Day, held right on the high school campus. 

SUNY Adirondack offers a wide range of academic programs designed to help students seamlessly transfer to four-year colleges and universities or step directly into high-demand careers.

 The Instant Admit initiative provides an accessible and stress-free pathway to admission, ensuring that every student can explore college opportunities regardless of their future plans.

“We’ve seen great success,” said Rhonda Triller, SUNY Adirondack’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “This is our second year in a row doing it, and we’re growing every year in terms of the number of districts who participate. Last year, four out of five participating schools saw an increased percentage of students attending. Instant Admit Days really show students—especially those who may not have believed they were college ready—that there are possibilities for them at SUNY Adirondack. And for students already planning to attend college, we offer excellent options and a great start toward a bachelor’s degree.”

How Instant Admit Works

• Schuylerville sends each participating student’s transcript to a SUNY Adirondack admissions representative.

• An application is created for the student on their behalf.

• Students receive an official acceptance letter directly from SUNY Adirondack—many on the same day.

HVCC Instant Admit Success

Schuylerville also hosted an HVCC (Hudson Valley Community College) Instant Admit Day for interested seniors. Thirteen students were accepted into various programs offered by HVCC, such as nursing, marketing, business administration, electrical construction & maintenance, paramedic studies, liberal arts & science, and more.

Students who completed their HVCC application ahead of time were scheduled for individual appointments on campus. An HVCC admissions representative met one-on-one with each student, to review the application, discuss the program they selected, and answer questions about next steps.

“These personalized approaches help students feel confident and informed as they move toward their post-secondary goals,” said Principal Mark Brooks. “We want every student to feel supported in finding the path that fits their interests and aspirations, and opportunities like Instant Admit Days make that process accessible to everyone.”

The safety of our school community is always the district’s top priority. In accordance with state regulations, all school districts are required to develop and maintain districtwide safety plans. These plans outline broad concepts, policies, and procedures to help ensure the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors, including the number and types of safety drills conducted each year.

The 2025–2026 Districtwide Safety Plan was previously adopted at the August 21 Board of Education meeting. However, following the recent signing of Desha’s Law, which requires all school districts to establish a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP), an update has been made to our existing plan.

Community members are invited to view the plan on the District’s website. Community members are invited to review the plan and share feedback by completing the District Safety Plan Feedback Form by December 10.  The plan is scheduled to be approved at the January 8, 2026 Board of Education meeting.  

On Tuesday, October 21, the Board of Education appointed Lauren J. Gemmill, Capital Region BOCES District Superintendent, as the search consultant to support us in finding our next superintendent of schools.

Selecting our next school leader, with the qualifications and experience that fit our unique community, is one of the most important decisions our Board of Education makes. With the assistance of the search consultant, we have determined that a comprehensive confidential search will result in an experienced pool of applicants with strong educational leadership.

The confidential search process begins with collecting feedback from our community. We are seeking your input on our next school superintendent by inviting all members of the school community, including students, parents/caregivers, staff, and residents to complete an online survey. The survey asks five questions that focus on gathering input on the District’s strengths, areas for improvement, and the characteristics and skills desired in our next superintendent. The survey will be open until November 21, and is available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ShenSearch

In addition, all are invited to participate in one of a series of forums. These forums are planned for the weeks of November 3 and 10. At the forum, the search consultant will ask attendees to respond to the same five questions as the survey.  Forums allow participants to share their perspectives and also hear from others. More information, including a schedule, can be found on the superintendent search page of the District website.

Feedback is unlimited, so participation in both the forum and the online survey is welcomed. All responses from the forums and the surveys are collected and reviewed by the Board of Education to inform our search for the best candidate for Shenendehowa.

We plan to open the application window late November. We anticipate conducting initial rounds of interviews in February and March, and to announce our next school superintendent in the spring of 2026.