South Glens Falls, NY – The South Glens Falls Central School District Board of Education is pleased to announce its intent to appoint Dr. Michele Whitley as Superintendent of Schools at a special called meeting of the Board of Education on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Dr. Whitley, a veteran educator with more than 26 years of experience as a K-12 educator and experienced systems leader in public education, has been selected to succeed Kristine Orr, who will retire at the end of the current school year.
Board President John Farrell stated, “The South Glens Falls Central School District is excited to welcome Dr. Michele Whitley as our new Superintendent of Schools. SGF is a forward‑thinking district filled with talented students and dedicated educators and benefits from the strong involvement of our greater community. Throughout the search process, the Board of Education sought a leader with the vision, integrity, and experience to guide a complex system with collaboration and purpose. Dr. Michele Whitley exemplifies the qualities of our Portrait of a Bulldog—positioning her to lead our district forward and help every student thrive. We are deeply grateful to the students, families, staff, and community members whose engagement and input helped shape the leadership profile and selection process for our district.”
The Board is offering Dr. Whitley a three year agreement with an initial salary of $200,000. She is expected to begin her duties on July 1, 2026.
Dr. Whitley currently serves as the Director of K–12 Humanities and Elementary Instruction for the Saratoga Springs City School District, where she has built a strong reputation for instructional excellence and organizational leadership. Her career spans classroom teaching, building-level administration, and district leadership with a focus on advancing equitable learning outcomes for all students. Prior to joining the Saratoga Springs City School District’s administrative team, Dr. Whitley served as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, principal, and a K–12 administrator.
In addition to her district role, Dr. Whitley serves as an executive coach for doctoral candidates at Russell Sage College. She is also a member of the Board of Affiliates for the New York State Association of Women Administrators (NYSAWA) and presents at state and national conferences focused on improving student achievement and leadership capacity. Since 2023, she has worked as an adjunct professor in the educational leadership programs at both The College of St. Rose and Russell Sage College.
Dr. Whitley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the State University of New York at Oswego, a Master of Science degree in Literacy from the College of St. Rose, and a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from the University at Albany. She earned her Doctor of Education degree from Russell Sage College, where her doctoral dissertation focused on building leadership capacity among educational administrators.
In a statement, Whitley said she is eager to take on the role and continue advancing the district’s mission.
“Our primary focus will always be the success and well-being of our students. At the heart of every district decision, we will evaluate through a clear and vital standard—its ability to improve both the everyday experiences and future outcomes of every child in our classrooms.”
“I am honored to assume this role and serve the South Glens Falls Central School District. I look forward to joining an organization with such a strong tradition of excellence and pride,” the new superintendent said. “Together, we will build upon our forward‑thinking, student‑centered community, embracing innovation, fostering creativity, and ensuring every child access to an excellent education as we prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”
Dr. Whitley was selected following a comprehensive search process. The process involved collecting feedback from various stakeholders regarding what they hoped to see in the school district’s next leader. WSHWE BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Turina Parker served as the search consultant.