Superintendent Morris to retire in 2024; WSWHE BOCES to conduct search for next superintendent

Stillwater Superintendent of Schools Patricia Morris has announced her plans to retire from her current position, effective February 2024. The Stillwater Board of Education formally accepted her retirement at their April 25, 2023 meeting.

On May 23, the Board appointed Dr. Turina Parker, District Superintendent of WSWHE BOCES, as the lead search consultant for the next Stillwater Superintendent of Schools. The search process will formally begin at a date to be determined by Dr. Parker, and the school community will be kept informed about the process.

In sharing the news of her retirement with Stillwater’s faculty and staff, Superintendent Morris said, “Thank you for a fantastic 25-plus years of service to our school district. I am honored to have the privilege of serving as your superintendent for the past seven years (and counting!).

“Collectively, we have transformed the District and exposed the gem that it truly is. It is my pleasure to serve the students, faculty, staff, parents and community of Stillwater and I want to take this opportunity to formally thank you for the opportunity to collaborate and problem solve alongside you. I also want to recognize the tremendous collective talent that you bring to the table every day.

“Together, we work to support the students so that they thrive in an inclusive culture and can be free to explore their interests and talents. I am grateful for my time here and will continue to support and lead you well into next year.”

Patricia Morris has served as Superintendent of Schools at Stillwater Central School District since July 2016. Prior to that, she served as Stillwater Middle School Principal for eight years, and also served as an Assistant Principal and Dean of Students and teacher in the district. She is a resident of Stillwater and has embraced the opportunity to effect positive change for the benefit of students, staff and the community.