The East Greenbush Central School District appointed Dr. Kurtis Kotes as its next Superintendent of Schools at a Special Board of Education meeting earlier this evening in the Howard L. Goff Middle School cafeteria. 

He will succeed Superintendent Jeff Simons who is retiring at the end of the school year.

“East Greenbush maintains a legacy of excellence in its academic, artistic, and athletic programs and offerings to the students of the community,” said Dr. Kotes. “I am honored and humbled to be selected by the Board of Education to lead the district into the future, continuing the focus on how we can best serve every student to the best of our ability. In a rapidly changing world, this is a challenging task, but it is evident that the community here is dedicated to our school system and offering a highly competitive education that prepares students for the world that awaits them. I could not be more excited to join such a high quality team of excellent educators.”

Dr. Kotes brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership. He currently serves as the Superintendent of Schools in the Goshen Central School District in Orange County, New York. During his tenure in Goshen, Dr. Kotes has demonstrated a strong focus on collaboration, communication, and strategic planning.

With his leadership, Goshen created a multi-year strategic plan with input from all stakeholders, implemented a new universal pre-k program, secured voter approval of a $9.1 million capital project to improve HVAC systems and replace the roof of a K-2 elementary school, and successfully negotiated labor contracts with three bargaining units.

Dr. Kotes has prioritized student wellness by implementing the Choose Love Social Emotional Learning Program and developing community partnerships to address substance abuse issues. 

Prior to his role in Goshen, Dr. Kotes served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Pleasant Central School District from 2018 to 2021. In Mount Pleasant, he oversaw a $39.6 million capital improvement project and facilitated planning for an additional $9 million athletic facilities upgrade. He successfully negotiated a labor contract with the teachers association and reorganized the district office administration to align with new state mandates. 

Dr. Kotes actively engaged with the community through partnerships with the Mount Pleasant Education Foundation and the Town of Mount Pleasant Recreation Department. He launched a new communication system and chaired the Superintendent’s Special Education Advisory Committee.

Dr. Kotes’ foundation in education was built as a Social Studies Teacher at Arlington High School where he taught Global History, U.S. History, Participation in Government, and Economics.

After nine years in the classroom, he went on to become an assistant principal, principal, and an assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, personnel and technology. 

As an assistant superintendent, he created and negotiated the APPR 3012-d plan and provided oversight of the district’s technology plan and district-wide hiring practices.

“Empowering others to take ownership of the important work that we do has been a cornerstone of my leadership,” said Dr. Kotes. “In supporting our staff to use their own talents and skills to create unique opportunities for students, we create a wide array of meaningful and diverse opportunities for them. A collective voice has always led to stronger outcomes. A good leader knows when it is time to lead and when to let others forge ahead.”

Dr. Kotes was selected by the East Greenbush CSD Board of Education following an extensive, months-long search coordinated by Questar III BOCES. The search included a stakeholder survey that garnered 1,195 responses and multiple interview rounds conducted by the board this spring.

“We are thrilled to welcome and introduce our next Superintendent, Dr. Kurtis Kotes,” the Board of Education said in a statement. “We were impressed not only by his experience but also his beliefs and how they align with our district’s core values. Above all, Dr. Kotes is committed to our students—and every member of our community, including staff, administrators, parents, families, and all community members who help make this district great. He has expressed a clear desire to build on our district’s strong foundation and advance our legacy of excellence through incremental change, transparent communication, intentional leadership, and collaboration, all of which will further distinguish East Greenbush as a leader in public education. The Board looks forward to working together with Dr. Kotes in our unwavering commitment to best meet the needs of all students, staff and families.”

Following the board’s vote, the special meeting was adjourned and Dr. Kotes met with district staff, parents and community members.

Dr. Kotes will start in East Greenbush on July 1.

Education

• Ed.D. Executive Leadership from Saint John Fisher College
• New York State Administrative Certification: SAS/SDA from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
• Master in Secondary Education: Social Studies Education from Mount Saint Mary College
• Bachelor of Arts: Political Science/History from State University of New York at Albany
• Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts from Dutchess Community College

Certifications

Dr. Kotes holds New York State Permanent Certifications as a School District Administrator, School Administrator and Supervisor K-12, and in Social Studies K-12.