The Salmon River Central School District Board of Education has announced the selection of two finalists for the position of superintendent of schools. Following a comprehensive review of applicants and a series of interviews, the board has selected Mr. Benjamin Barkley and Dr. Corey T. Hepburn to advance to the final stage of the search process.

Barkley currently serves as interim superintendent of the Salmon River Central School District, where he provides executive leadership and oversees district operations, instructional programs, personnel, budgeting, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Prior to assuming the interim role, he served for nearly a decade as school building leader at Salmon River Elementary School and Salmon River High School, while also serving as athletic administrator. Throughout his career, Barkley has held numerous leadership positions within the district and has been instrumental in implementing instructional initiatives, strengthening school culture, and supporting student achievement.

“I am honored and humbled to be considered for this opportunity,” Barkley said. “Salmon River is more than a workplace to me, it has been my second home for 25 years, and I would be privileged to continue serving this remarkable community as its next superintendent.”

Barkley holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Canisius College, a Master of Science in Teaching from SUNY Potsdam, and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from St. Lawrence University. He also holds School Building Leader and School District Leader certifications and recently completed the New York State Council of School Superintendent’s Superintendent Academy.

Hepburn currently serves as the principal of Odyssey Academy in the Greece Central School District, where he provides instructional and operational leadership for a school serving more than 1,000 students and 150 staff members. During his tenure, he has led school improvement initiatives that increased graduation rates, strengthened academic performance, and enhanced student engagement. Hepburn previously served as a principal in the Rochester City School District and currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership program at Saint John Fisher University.

“I am honored to be named a finalist for the superintendent position with the Salmon River Central School District,” Hepburn said. “I bring experience leading academic progress across diverse communities and am committed to transparent, culturally responsive leadership grounded in respect for the Mohawk Nation. My focus is advancing instructional excellence while building trust, safety, and success for all learners.”

Hepburn holds a Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Saint John Fisher University, as well as graduate and undergraduate degrees in education from Roberts Wesleyan College. He brings extensive experience in educational leadership, organizational transformation, equity-focused practices, and strategic planning.

Sessions with stakeholders will be scheduled in the coming weeks to provide students, staff, families, and community members the opportunity to meet the finalists and share feedback with the Board of Education.

The Board of Education appreciates the continued interest and engagement of Salmon River staff, families, and community members throughout the search process and looks forward to gathering stakeholder feedback as it works toward selecting the district’s next superintendent.