CATSKILL — In a surprising development, Catskill Central School District Superintendent Melissa Barrow resigned last week after just three months on the job.
Replacing her will be former Catskill Special Education Supervisor Dan Wilson, who was appointed interim superintendent at the May 17 Board of Education meeting, according to the Catskill Central School District website.
“At the May 17, 2023, Board of Education meeting, the Board appointed Dr. Dan Wilson to serve as the interim superintendent of schools for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year, effective immediately,” according to a statement from the district. “Also at the meeting, the Board approved a settlement and separation agreement with Melissa Barrow, who has resigned from her position as Catskill’s superintendent of schools for personal reasons,” according to the statement.
School Attorney Cameron Daniels of law firm Ferrara Fiorenza in East Syracuse said the district would have no further comment.
Wilson, 42, said he is happy to assume the role of interim superintendent, having served in the capacity of Special Education Supervisor since summer 2021.
“I am happy to take the reins of our district because I know that, together, we truly do provide a great place for the children of our community to learn, grow and succeed,” Wilson said. “Along with my new duties, I will continue to serve in my role as Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel in charge of Special Education. I look forward to working with all of you in my new role and old as we continue to move our district forward and live up to our motto that ‘Cats can and Cats will.’”
Wilson came to Catskill from the Rockland BOCES where he oversaw multiple programs assisting students with learning, emotional and behavioral challenges in his official role as principal of CBI Tech and District Based Secondary Programs. Wilson’s other administrative positions include principal assignments and vice principal assignments at E-Tech High School in Poughkeepsie, science department chairman at the Greenburgh Graham Special Acts School District and science curriculum coordinator at Mount Vernon City School District.
Wilson has also been a junior varsity and varsity level football coach.
Wilson received his doctorate in educational leadership from Sage Colleges, a master’s degree in Special Education from City College and a bachelor’s degree in science and biology in secondary education from the University of Rhode Island.
Wilson is the father of three. He enjoys basketball, lacrosse and fishing and confesses on his profile on the district website to being a “football junkie.”