Dear Madison Community,
We are writing today to share important news regarding the leadership of the Madison Central School District and the region.
Following the departure of the superintendent at Stockbridge Valley Central School, their Board of Education approached our Board with a proposal to explore a shared superintendent agreement. After thoughtful discussion, collaboration and careful consideration of what is best for our students and districts, we have agreed to move forward with this shared service. Beginning August 1, Mr. Mitchell will serve as the shared superintendent for both Madison and Stockbridge Valley.
Please know this is not a school district merger. It is a shared superintendent agreement between two small, rural school districts that face similar challenges—chief among them the uncertainty of federal and state education funding. This agreement represents a fiscally responsible and forward-thinking step by both Boards. In fact, it is expected to result in a savings of approximately $80,000 for Madison Central School in the 2025–26 school year, and we hope to identify additional ways to expand those savings moving forward.
The agreement between the districts is for 12 months and will be reevaluated before any decision is made to continue. Our shared goal is to ensure that any future steps are in the best interest of all students and it is our hope that this partnership with Stockbridge will lead to more opportunities for our students.
We also want to assure our community that Mr. Mitchell remains deeply committed to Madison. Over the past 5.5 years, he has helped build a strong, collaborative culture within our school, and he will continue to lead with the same level of dedication and care that our students, staff and families have come to know and respect. He will remain present in the building and at school and community events. Strong trust of other leaders within the district allows us to move forward with confidence, even when Mr. Mitchell is not physically present.
The Boards of Education will make the agreement official at a special Board meeting to be held on Monday, July 28th at 6:00 p.m. in the Stockbridge Valley CSD library. As always, we thank you for your continued support of Madison Central School and for your partnership in helping our district grow stronger, together.
In Partnership,
Madison Central School District Board of Education