Ms. Alicia D. Koster
Superintendent of Schools, Greater Johnstown School District
Get to know Superintendent Alicia D. Koster, a dedicated and compassionate leader who is transforming the Greater Johnstown School District.
Ms. Alicia D. Koster became Superintendent of Schools in 2025, after serving the District for four years as Assistant Superintendent. With an impressive career spanning nearly 30 years in public education, Ms. Koster’s professional trajectory is marked by her unwavering commitment to nurturing both students and the community.
Her academic credentials are a testament to her passion for education and leadership. She earned a master’s degree and a certificate of advanced studies in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz, alongside an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Currently, she’s furthering her expertise by pursuing a doctorate in Educational Administration from Seton Hall University. She holds micro-credentials from Teachers College at Columbia University for Education Policy and Education Finance from Georgetown University.
Ms. Koster’s four-year tenure as the GJSD Assistant Superintendent was quite impactful. She played a crucial role in stabilizing the District’s finances during challenging times, reversing years of financial instability that had affected teachers, students, and the wider community. Her strategic vision and financial acumen restored much-needed stability and a positive trajectory towards the goal of educational excellence for all students, in a safe and welcoming environment.
Her leadership is defined by her holistic perspective to education. She ensures that all day-to-day work aligns with the broader mission to fulfill the District’s vision, mission, and goals, and has implemented a 10-year strategic plan focusing on academic excellence, student engagement, robust support services, and long-term fiscal health. Her efforts ensure that Johnstown not only meets but exceeds regional educational standards.
Districtwide improvements to influence education and community well-being
Koster has spearheaded capital projects that have brought notable improvements to the District’s facilities, including the installation of a new turf field and track at Knox Middle School, and the refurbishment of the ornamental fencing along South Perry Street. Additionally, critical infrastructure systems are being improved throughout the District, elementary kitchens are being renovated, and high school bathrooms are receiving updates. Her strategic planning extends to future renovations of classrooms and instructional spaces to better suit modern learning needs.
Koster enhanced school safety and security devices throughout the District, using updated technological systems to ensure that staff and students remain safe from outside threats. She also oversaw the addition of a School Resource Officer (SRO) in the District, which has proven to be an effective measure in preventing incidents and increasing overall school safety, while developing positive relationships with students..
Furthermore, Ms. Koster secured funding to support quality after-school programs in partnership with the Mental Health Association of Fulton and Montgomery Counties. The District’s new farm-to-school program—AgriQuest— is enhancing access to nutritious, locally sourced foods, while tackling food insecurity, providing educational opportunities and career exploration for students interested in the agricultural industry.
Ms. Koster’s strategic thinking also helped facilitate the reopening of Knox as a middle school for 2023-2024, implementing a new grade level configuration and a uniform schedule for all four schools. In that same year, Koster oversaw the hiring of a Transportation Director and the transition of the District’s transportation to a new private contractor—a cost-saving measure that brought greater continuity and stability to the District’s transportation services.
Experienced financial leader and community advocate
Prior to joining Johnstown, Ms. Koster held significant administrative roles, including executive director for finance & management services and chief financial officer at various New York school districts. Her extensive experience in financial oversight and project development has been invaluable in her current role.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Koster is active in the Johnstown community. Her involvement with 100 Women Who Care in Johnstown showcases her commitment to enriching local non-profit organizations.
Professionally, Koster actively participates in the New York State Council of School Superintendents and the New York State Association for Women in Administration.
Balancing her professional life, Ms. Koster is a devoted wife and mother of two daughters, and resides in Johnstown. Her approach style is deeply rooted in care and community-mindedness, as she guides the Greater Johnstown School District toward becoming a regional model of educational excellence.