NEWPORT, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — The West Canada Valley Central School District announced on Wednesday, October 24 that they have hired a new superintendent, who will assume their position in the new year.

Jeremy Siddon will replace former superintendent Donald “DJ” Shepardson, who left the position in June to become the superintendent at Herkimer BOCES. Currently, Siddon is a principal and the athletic director in the Wells Central School District in Hamilton County, a position he has held since 2013.

“I am extremely honored to be selected as the next superintendent of West Canada Valley Central School District,” Siddon said in a statement. “I want to thank the Board of Education and the community for this tremendous opportunity. West Canada Valley Central School District has a rich tradition of academic excellence,” I am looking forward to working with the Board of Education, administration, teachers, staff, students, families and the community and furthering students’ performance at all levels.”

Throughout the process, it was quite clear that the community and the West Canada Valley Central School District play a vital role in the students’ success. I can’t wait to get started and join the West Canada Valley Central School District.”

Finalists for the position met with the public in a virtual community forum on Monday, October 16. Community members participated in an online survey after the forum to express their opinions on the candidates. The West Canada Valley Board of Education members then decided on Tuesday, October 17 to select Siddon for the position, pending a contract agreement. Former Herkimer BOCES superintendent Sandra Sherwood was responsible for overseeing the initial phases of the search, which included preliminary discussions with candidates.

“The board was very thankful we had a large pool of talented candidates to narrow down through this quite lengthy process,” West Canada Valley Board of Education President Jessica Bartlett said in a statement. “With the help of all stakeholders, the community and the support of Sandra Sherwood from BOCES, we’re confident Mr. Siddon is an excellent addition to West Canada Valley.”

The Board anticipates formally appointing Siddon to the position during their next board meeting on Monday, November 13. He will formally assume his position on January 1. Interim superintendent Ronald Wheelock, formerly the superintendent of the Sauquoit Valley Central School School District, will remain in that position until Siddon starts in January.

“Throughout the process, it was quite clear that the community and the West Canada Valley Central School District play a vital role in the students’ success,” Siddon said in a statement. I can’t wait to get started and join the West Canada Valley Central School District.”