GJSD Superintendent of Schools Ms. Alicia D. Koster announced today that longtime Johnstown educator and administrator Cory Cotter has been appointed Assistant Superintendent for the Greater Johnstown School District where she will provide strategic support to the superintendent while helping advance the District’s PK-12 instructional priorities and efforts to strengthen student, family, and community engagement.
Cotter was officially appointed following approval by the Board of Education at this evening’s monthly business meeting. The appointment is effective September 18.
Cotter fills a vacancy left by Scott Hale, who announced earlier this month his decision to step down from the position and return to the classroom as a physical education teacher.
“The Greater Johnstown School District is fortunate to have a talented and experienced administrative team whose members understand where our District has been and where we are going,” Koster said. “That depth of leadership allows us to respond thoughtfully to change, maintain continuity and continue advancing the priorities we have established for our students, staff and families.”
“Cory brings experience, perspective and institutional knowledge to the role of Assistant Superintendent. During her 25 years with Johnstown, she has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and district leader. She understands our schools at every level and has earned the trust and respect of colleagues, families and community members through her collaborative leadership and commitment to students.”
“There is something especially meaningful about elevating a Johnstown graduate and educator who has devoted her career to our District,” Koster added. “I have worked closely with Cory and have seen firsthand the care, thoughtfulness and determination she brings to her leadership. She believes deeply in our students, our staff and the Johnstown community. I am proud to welcome her to this role and look forward to the work we will accomplish on behalf of our school community.”
“I am honored to take on the responsibility of Assistant Superintendent and serve a school community that means so much to me,” Cotter said of her appointment. “The Johnstown School District has been a deeply meaningful part of my journey, and the opportunity to give back to the students, families, and staff who make this community so special is one I am truly grateful for.”
“There is so much incredible work happening across our schools, and I am excited to continue that work in this new role. I look forward to supporting our dedicated staff, serving our students and families, and building on our strong foundation as we create a bright future for every student in the Johnstown School District,” Cotter added.
The District will seek to fill Cotter’s former position through a newly restructured role: Director of Student Pathways and Family & Community Partnerships. Working under the Assistant Superintendent, the director will advance District priorities by coordinating programs, services and opportunities that support students from their earliest years in Johnstown through graduation and beyond. Responsibilities will include oversight of K–12 academic counseling, student pathway development, work-based and career-connected learning, family engagement programming and the cultivation of partnerships among the District, students, families, and community organizations.
The director will also coordinate the day-to-day programming and services of the Family Resource Center under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of Schools.
“Through the leadership of Mrs. Cotter and the new Director of Student Pathways and Family & Community Partnerships, we will further align the District’s instructional programs, student supports and family engagement efforts across a cohesive PK–12 system that provides coordinated support for every student and family,” Koster said.
Cotter was one of five educators recently recognized for 25 years of service to GJSD. Her tenure with the District began in 2000, when she joined Johnstown High School as a social studies teacher. She went on to serve as an assistant principal at JHS for two years before being appointed principal of Pleasant Avenue Elementary School, where she served for nine years. In February, Cotter was named Director of Elementary Instruction, Assessment, and Family Engagement.
Cotter is an alumna of Johnstown High School. She earned a B.A. in political science, with minors in both economics and education at St. Lawrence University. She received her Master of Science degree in curriculum development and instructional technology from SUNY Albany. She earned professional certifications as both a School Building Leader and School District Leader from SUNY Plattsburgh.
Cotter and her husband, Shawn, have two sons. Colin is a junior at Clarkson University majoring in civil engineering and competes on the university’s alpine ski team. Brady is a sophomore at SUNY Delhi majoring in construction management and serves his community as a volunteer firefighter.