The WSWHE BOCES Board is expected to formally appoint Dr. Parker at its June 8 meeting. She’s set to begin her official duties as District Superintendent on August 16, 2022.
“Dr. Parker has demonstrated the ability to lead and work cooperatively across the region,” WSWHE BOCES President John A. Rieger said. “We are confident that Dr. Parker will build on our successes, fulfill our strategic plans, and provide a vision that will take the organization to the next level and provide even stronger support and opportunities for the education of our children and the school districts that we serve.”
With a career spanning 20 years, Dr. Parker is an experienced school district leader, with a passion for leading and supporting schools. She previously served as Director of Day Treatment and Principal at St. Catherine’s R. & E. May School in Albany, NY, where her experience also included serving as the Coordinator for Curriculum and Assistant Principal. She is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Educational and Support Programs for the WSWHE BOCES, where she has served in numerous capacities over the past 14 years, including serving as Principal for Special Programs, Executive Principal, and Executive Director for Educational and Support Programs. Her leadership experience includes directing the Early College Career Academy, as well as the School Support Services, Personnel Development, and Employment Training for Adults divisions of WSWHE BOCES. She serves as a member of the Saratoga-Warren-Washington Workforce Development Board, and has maintained responsibilities for supporting students and leading principals, central office administrators and instructional personnel and classified staff. Additionally, Dr. Parker teaches graduate students as an adjunct instructor at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.
Dr. Parker says the work of the BOCES is critically important, and she looks forward to helping every child in this region have the best chance they can to become successful.
“I am honored to serve the BOCES in this new capacity. As District Superintendent, I plan to nurture our valued partnerships with the component school districts and the community to provide opportunities for student success and local workforce development.”
Parker will replace District Superintendent of Schools James Dexter who is retiring in August after 12 years of service to WSWHE BOCES.
The search for a new District Superintendent began in early 2022 with the position being listed with national and state professional organizations and advertised in several print and online publications. The search process was guided by feedback received through a community survey which drew nearly 200 responses from area board of education members, school administrators, BOCES employees, students, community members and others. During the search process, Parker interviewed with the WSWHE BOCES Board as well as with the superintendents of the component school districts, and other stakeholder groups. She was one of 4 candidates interviewed for the position.
Dr. Parker also recently met with the New York State Commissioner of Education for a final interview and assessment of her qualifications and experience. As BOCES district superintendents serve a dual role acting as both the chief executive officer of a local BOCES and as the regional representative of the Commissioner of Education, the approval of the Commissioner is required before a BOCES can appoint a final candidate. Following the interview, the Commissioner communicated her approval of Dr. Parker’s proposed appointment (click here to view the Commissioner's order.)
Dr. Gladys I Cruz, the District Superintendent of the Questar III BOCES, worked with the WSWHE Board as a consultant during the search process.
Dr. Parker earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Master of Science degree in Educational Administration, and Master of Science degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology from the State University of New York at Albany. She earned her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Walden University. Dr. Parker is an alumnus of the NYS Superintendent Development program through SUNY Oswego.
She lives in Ballston Lake with her husband and has two daughters.