DAVENPORT – Saying it was a very difficult decision, Eric Whipple, superintendent at Charlotte Valley Central School, will be leaving his alma mater later this year to take the superintendent's position at Cooperstown Central School. The career opportunity presented itself and he said it was something he wanted to pursue.
Cooperstown Central made the announcement that he was chosen on Sept. 16.
"This was an incredibly difficult personal decision. Charlotte Valley has been special to me for so many years and has been woven into the fabric of my life for as long as I can remember. From my own experiences as a student, to now having children attend the District, being given the opportunity to lead Charlotte Valley has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life," he stated.
"As the District eventually transitions from one leader to the next, one thing that will not change is the dedication, care, and commitment of our faculty and staff. Each of you plays an important role in making Charlotte Valley the place it is and, most importantly, in ensuring that our students feel supported and cared for each day. It has been a true honor to work alongside you, and I am incredibly grateful for the relationships we have built and the work we have accomplished together over these past years."
"While my departure will most likely not occur until later this fall, my commitment to Charlotte Valley remains fully intact. Until that time, I will continue to give my full effort to our students, staff, and District, and I look forward to continuing the important work we have ahead of us."
Whipple began his tenure as superintendent at Charlotte Valley in 2022, prior to that he was the K-12 principal at Jefferson Central School and an elementary principal at Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School. He began his career teaching at the elementary level at Delaware Academy in Delhi.
"Mr. Whipple stood out not only because of his extensive experience as a teacher, principal and superintendent, but also because of his vision and student-centered leadership," said Pete Iorizz, president of the Cooperstown Central School District Board of Education. "Ae articulated a clear vision for Cooperstown that aligns with our own - to become a regional and national model of excellence in public education. Above all, he has demonstrated throughout his career a commitment to putting the best interests of students first."
In a letter to the Charlotte Valley community, Rbecca Garrison, president of the Charlotte Valley Central School Board of Education, wrote, "On behalf of the Charlotte Valley Central School District Board of Education, I am writing to share that Superintendent Eric Whipple has accepted an appointment yesterday evening as Superintendent of Cooperstown Central School District. While we are very happy for Eric and this new opportunity, we are also saddened by his departure."
"Mr. Whipple has been a dedicated leader of our District and his connection to Charlotte Valley runs much deeper than his role as Superintendent. Having attended Charlotte Valley himself and now having children in our schools, he has always had a personal connection to the District. We are grateful for his time and service he has made to our District. While a change in leadership is significant, we are confident in the continued dedication of the
Faculty and Staff in creating a safe, caring, and strong program for our students."
"We thank Eric for his service and dedication to Charlotte Valley and wish him and his family all
the best in this next chapter."
In accepting his new position at Cooperstown, he said, “I am excited to listen, learn, build relationships and get to know the Cooperstown community. Most importantly, I look forward to working together to provide our students with the opportunities they need to be successful.”
Whipple's father, Ron Whipple, served as superintendent at Charlotte Valley as well.
