At a special joint meeting held on February 26, 2025, the South Kortright CSD and Jefferson CSD Boards of Education appointed Dr. Tarkan Ceng as their shared superintendent of schools. Dr. Ceng has successfully served as the superintendent of Jefferson CSD for the past six years. When current South Kortright superintendent, Doug Wyant, announced his intention to retire, the South Kortright Board of Education explored options for the next steps. The idea of a shared superintendent was chosen as the path forward and Jefferson emerged as the right partner. The shared superintendent model will be piloted by the districts for a period of fifteen months.
South Kortright Board of Education president, Terri Chichester, stated, “On behalf of the South Kortright Central School Board of Education, I am honored to extend a warm welcome to our Interim shared Superintendent, Dr. Tarkan Ceng. We are thrilled to be working with someone who has shown dedication, understanding, and has experienced the challenges facing rural schools but can also see the great benefits it has to offer. I would also like to extend our gratitude to the Jefferson Central School board of education, staff, students, and community for sharing your Superintendent during this transitional period. We recognize the importance of his role within your district and genuinely appreciate the spirit of collaboration and support you have shown. We believe this partnership will not only strengthen our schools but will also foster a broader sense of unity and overall commitment to education.”
Jefferson Board of Education president, Jessica Hendrickson, stated, “As a proud rural school, we believe it’s crucial to continuously seek ways to collaborate with neighboring districts in order to provide the best opportunities for our students while also achieving cost savings for our taxpayers. These efforts not only enhance our collective ability to thrive, but they also allow us to maintain the autonomy, identity, and culture that make each district special. While the idea of sharing a Superintendent may initially seem daunting, the benefits it brings—both in savings and in opportunities—are invaluable and difficult to achieve otherwise. We’re grateful to South Kortright for trusting us with this collaboration.”
Dr. Tarkan Ceng stated, “I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the stewardship of these two outstanding rural school districts. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply the knowledge and experience I have gained over the past six years as a rural school superintendent to benefit both the Jefferson and South Kortright school communities. While each district has its own unique identity, traditions, and strengths, both share a deep commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for students. I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to support and strengthen each district while preparing our students for a bright and successful future."
Dr. Ceng will start his work as the shared superintendent of South Kortright and Jefferson on March 8, 2025.