Shenendehowa Board appoints and swears in Dr. Cecily Wilson Turner as superintendent

The Shenendehowa Board of Education on March 24 appointed Dr. Cecily Wilson Turner as superintendent of schools and immediately administered the oath of office.

Board President Stevenson announced the selection after a “very thoughtful and thorough process,” read a resolution appointing Dr. Wilson Turner for the period March 24, 2026, through June 30, 2030, and asked for a motion to adopt the employment agreement dated March 24. Naomi moved the resolution and Mary Caroline seconded; the motion passed by voice vote.

“Tonight is one of those moments,” President Stevenson said, calling the appointment “historic” and noting it matters that the district will — for the first time — be led by a woman as superintendent. The president praised Dr. Wilson Turner’s “deep belief in students, her respect for educators, and her understanding that strong schools are built through strong relationships.”

Kathy Wetmore Chase administered the oath; Dr. Cecily Wilson Turner repeated the sworn statements pledging to support the U.S. and New York State Constitutions and to faithfully discharge the duties of the superintendent of schools for the Shenendehowa Central School District.

Accepting the position, Dr. Wilson Turner said she assumed the role with “a great sense of honor and excitement,” described more than 25 years in education and thanked family, mentors and colleagues. She told the community she looks forward to partnering with staff and families to “ensure we send our students out prepared to shape the world.”

Several board members offered congratulations at the meeting. Mrs. Holden called Dr. Wilson Turner “amazing and special,” Mrs. Thompson described her as the leader the district needs, and Mrs. Kelly said former coworkers refer to her as “the gold standard.”

The board voted to approve the employment agreement and the appointment as read into the record; no roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript.