As part of the leadership transition in the Greater Johnstown School District, Mr. Nick Snow, currently serving as principal of Knox Middle School, is expected to be appointed as the new principal of Johnstown High School, pending official board approval. Snow will succeed longtime JHS principal Scott Hale, who has been elevated to the role of Assistant Superintendent, effective August 10. Pending the board’s confirmation, Snow will officially assume his new duties at JHS on the same date.
The District’s leadership changes are in anticipation of the upcoming retirement of Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Crankshaw, effective August 9. In response, the Board of Education has appointed current Assistant Superintendent Ms. Alicia D. Koster as his successor. Ms. Koster will officially assume the role of Superintendent on August 10.
Dr. Crankshaw notes that the recent leadership appointments represent a key step in the Board of Education’s succession planning, as the District works to maintain stable leadership and advance its goal of becoming the regional model for educational excellence.
“The Board of Education recognizes that stable leadership is essential to sustained improvement and excellence in our District,” Crankshaw said. “Our succession planning—and the appointments of Ms. Koster, Mr. Hale, and now Mr. Snow—are central to upholding the integrity of our commitment to continuous improvement.”
In recent years, proactive, thoughtful, and strategic planning have elevated teaching and learning to unprecedented levels in the District’s history. Collaborative efforts focused on improving student achievement, growth, attendance, and engagement have garnered recognition at the regional, state, and national levels. Notably, Johnstown High School’s graduation rate has remained steady at 94%—the highest in Johnstown’s history.
“For students, high school is the critical final stage of their compulsory education, and it is our responsibility to prepare them for life after graduation,” Crankshaw added. “While preparation begins the moment students enter our District, it’s at Johnstown High School where much of that critical readiness takes place.”
More about Nick Snow
Snow served as the principal of Knox Middle School during the 2024–2025 school year, the school’s second year operating as a middle school for grades 5–7. Throughout his tenure, he fostered a culture of student success by raising academic standards and expectations for all learners. Under his leadership, the school expanded its academic offerings by introducing advanced courses in English Language Arts and Mathematics, as well as elective courses in previously underrepresented subject areas.
Snow introduced new initiatives, including his popular daily video morning announcements for staff and students, intended to help keep the school community connected. His addition of “music in the hallways, a slushie machine and popcorn” was well-received by the student body and helped boost morale when needed.
Snow joined Johnstown in July, 2024 from the Gloversville Enlarged School District where he had served in different administrative roles since 2021, including assistant principal for Gloversville High School, principal at Kingsborough Elementary School, and assistant principal for Boulevard Elementary. While at GESD, Snow spearheaded a district-wide “Strive for Five” attendance campaign, which resulted in an increase in daily attendance across the district.
Snow earned a degree in early childhood education from Hudson Valley Community College and his B.S. Ed from the College of Saint Rose, where he majored in elementary education with a minor in English language arts. He obtained his Master’s of Science in education from the State University at Plattsburgh where he majored in teaching and learning, with a minor in literacy. He also received his School Building Leader and School District Leader advanced certificates from SUNY Plattsburgh.
He and his wife Kristie live in Saratoga with their three children – Kylie, Kellen, and Lincoln – and a pitbull mixed dog named Lily. In his downtime, Mr. Snow enjoys hiking and snowboarding.