The Salmon River Central School District Board of Education has appointed a veteran administrator to serve as its full-time acting superintendent effective immediately.

At its Jan. 14 meeting, the board named Terrance P. Dougherty to the position. He replaces FEH BOCES District Superintendent Dale Breault, who had been serving as acting superintendent while the district searched for a full-time leader.

Dougherty brings more than a quarter century of administrative experience including over two decades as superintendent of the Hancock Central School District in Delaware County. Most recently he served as interim superintendent at the Oxford Academy and Central School District and the Afton Central School District, both in Chenango County. He began his career in education as a middle and high school social studies teacher before entering administration as a high school principal.

“I know this period of transition has been difficult for the Salmon River community,” Breault said. “I am confident Dr. Dougherty’s leadership will help the district move forward, foster unity and maintain its focus on the education of students. As your local BOCES district superintendent, I remain committed to Salmon River and will continue to offer my support to the district.”

“I am thrilled and extremely grateful to have been offered this tremendous opportunity to work closely with the Salmon River Central School District community as acting superintendent,” said Dr. Dougherty. “There is a rich tradition of strong school-community relationships here, which I hope to build upon in the coming days and months ahead.”

“On behalf of the Salmon River Board of Education, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Dale Breault for his assistance and leadership during this difficult period,” said Board of Education President Jason Brockway. “We deeply appreciate his continued support as we welcome Dr. Dougherty to the Salmon River community.”

The appointment of interim leadership follows the launch of an ongoing investigation by the district into the use of wooden boxes as calming stations in classrooms.