Fort Edward superintendent Rich Demaley to leave for Fonda‑Fultonville district

Superintendent Rich Demaley announced in a June 14 Facebook message that he will leave the Fort Edward Union Free School District in August to become superintendent of the Fonda‑Fultonville Central School District. "It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that I will be leaving the Fort Edward Union Free School District in August to lead the Fonda‑Fultonville Central School District," Demaley said.

Demaley, who identified himself at the start of the message as "your superintendent," framed the move as a personal decision tied to his career path and to new opportunities. He thanked the community for supporting the district during his time in office, saying the community helped pass the last two budgets and a capital project during his 10 years at Fort Edward.

He credited recent district accomplishments to joint effort with staff and families, saying the district "has been able to bring back staffing levels to where they were prior to COVID, settle several bargaining unit contracts, and increase extracurricular participation" and that graduation rates have risen during his tenure. These are presented as his assessments of district progress; the message did not include independent data or external reports to substantiate the claims.

Demaley said he will "work tirelessly to support the staff and the children until my very last day," and that his priority is a smooth leadership transition. He did not name a successor or provide a specific last day beyond indicating the move will occur in August (exact date not specified). Demaley provided a contact phone number for follow-up: (518) 866-9722.

The announcement closes a public message that otherwise outlined end-of-year dates for the district. No board action, personnel vote or hiring timeline was mentioned in the video.