After almost a decade with the Schuylerville Central School District, High School Principal James Ducharme has been appointed as the new superintendent of schools for the Cambridge Central School District. Ducharme will finish the 2024-25 school year with Schuylerville, and begin as superintendent in Cambridge July 1.
“Mr. Ducharme has been an outstanding leader and exemplified an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of students and the district as a whole,” said Schuylerville Superintendent, Dr. Ryan Sherman. “His remarkable ability to build meaningful relationships and make thoughtful, solution-oriented decisions will undoubtedly benefit the students, staff, and community of Cambridge.”
Throughout his tenure at Schuylerville, Ducharme demonstrated exceptional leadership in various areas. His work as Acting Superintendent of Schools in 2024 highlighted his ability to manage district-wide initiatives. As Chief Emergency Officer, he facilitated key security and emergency protocols for the district, working with area law enforcement to ensure a comprehensive and proactive approach to school safety. Ducharme has also been an integral part of several district committees, including professional development and technology, while also overseeing the implementation of innovative educational programs and a robust curriculum. Under his leadership, Schuylerville High School consistently achieved a graduation rate of more than 90% for seven consecutive years. Ducharme also led the successful transition to a hybrid learning model during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that all students had access to meaningful educational opportunities. He began his administrative career at Schuylerville in 2015 as the Grades 7-12 Assistant Principal before being promoted to High School Principal, a role he held for more than seven years. In total, Ducharme has spent 21 years working in education.
“I’ve always been driven by a commitment to doing what’s best for students,” said Ducharme. “My time at Schuylerville has been more than just a career—it’s been a family. The relationships I’ve built with students, staff, and the community have shaped me as a leader. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing team at Schuylerville and am extremely grateful for all of the students, staff, and community members I have been fortunate to work with. I am honored to serve the Cambridge Central School District as its next superintendent, and look forward to building on the district’s strengths and meeting the challenges ahead. Together, we will continue to create an environment where every student can succeed.”
With Ducharme transitioning to his new role as superintendent of Cambridge Central School District, Schuylerville will now begin the important process of selecting its next high school principal. A committee will be formed to lead the search, ensuring that the next leader upholds the district’s commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and strong community relationships. The committee will include input from faculty, staff, parents, and administrators to ensure a thorough and thoughtful selection process. Schuylerville parents who are interested in being part of the committee can email Communications Director Taryn Kane (kanet@schuylerville.org) with their contact information.
“This is an incredibly important position for our school community,” said Schuylerville Board of Education President Bernie Buff. “Finding the right person to continue fostering a positive and supportive learning environment will be a top priority. The Board expresses its gratitude to Mr. Ducharme for his years of dedicated service to the district. He has been an exceptional leader who always puts students first. His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to both academic excellence and school safety have left a lasting impact on Schuylerville. We wish Mr. Ducharme nothing but success in this next chapter.”
Click here for an Invitation to Apply for prospective candidates, with detailed information about Schuylerville High School and the district.