We are delighted to announce a new podcast with Dr. Charles S. Dedrick, one of NYKids’ valued advisory board members. Dr. Dedrick has served as Executive Director of the New York State Council of School Superintendents since July 2016, now in his ninth year leading the professional and advocacy organization that serves over 1,000 educational leaders statewide. Prior to this role, Dedrick brought extensive field experience as District Superintendent of Capital Region BOCES and Superintendent of Schools at both Cohoes City School District and Green Island Union Free School District, beginning his career as a Social Studies teacher. 

His educational credentials include a B.A. in Political Science, dual Master's degrees in Literacy and Educational Administration from UAlbany, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Russell Sage College. Dedrick has served on the American Association of School Administrators' Governing Board and Executive Committee, representing New York and New England states.  

Key Take-aways 

The superintendent profession faces unprecedented challenges, with NYSCOSS data showing an  expected retirement rate of 45% in the next 4-5 years for New York's school superintendents. This instability threatens district continuity and student outcomes, particularly in rural and high-need communities where leadership transitions can be especially disruptive. 

While progress has been made in gender representation, with slight increases in female superintendents, significant barriers remain. Women entering superintendent roles tend to do so later in their careers, potentially limiting their long-term impact and succession planning opportunities. More concerning is the persistent lack of racial and ethnic diversity, with over 90% of superintendents identifying as white despite New York's increasingly diverse student population. 

Policy challenges continue to mount as superintendents navigate competing federal and state priorities. The Trump administration's voucher program, offering tax credits for private school donations, creates new competitive pressures for public districts already struggling with funding constraints. Simultaneously, proposed Medicaid cuts threaten essential health services that many schools provide to vulnerable students and families. 

However, opportunities exist for positive change. The Portrait of a Graduate framework offers a shared vision for student success that transcends political divisions, focusing on universally valued skills and competencies. NYSCOSS's advocacy efforts on educator retirement waivers and rural telehealth demonstrate how professional organizations can address practical challenges facing districts statewide. 

Moving forward, addressing the superintendent crisis requires sustained attention to leadership development, mentorship programs, and creating pathways for diverse candidates to enter and succeed in these critical roles. The success of New York's students depends largely on the stability and effectiveness of district leadership, making these challenges among the most urgent facing public education today.