Darfler-Sweeney appointed interim superintendent at Coxsackie-Athens

COXSACKIE―A familiar face in education in Greene County will be temporarily leading the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District.

On Thursday night, Dr. Patrick Darfler-Sweeney was unanimously appointed by the Board of Education to serve as interim superintendent, effective February 10.

Darfler-Sweeney will oversee the district as the board searches for a permanent replacement for outgoing Superintendent Randall Squier who retired on Monday, February 9.

According to board minutes, Darfler-Sweeney will be paid at a rate of $850 a day.

“I bring to you over 42 years of experience in K-12 education,” Darfler-Sweeney said in a video message to the school community.

He previously served as superintendent of the Hunter-Tannersville Central School District, retiring after nearly a decade in 2016.

Since then, Darfler-Sweeney has served numerous interim positions at districts across the area, including Stamford, Margaretville and Andes, and briefly returned to HTC as interim secondary school principal.

“These were all positions I took so that I could help school communities and schools in transitions from current situations to more permanent members,” he said.

Darfler-Sweeney also worked at The University of the State of New York Regents Research Fund coordinating a pilot program to prepare principals for new state standards. He has published two books: The Superintendent’s Rulebook and Fostering Parent Engagement for Equitable and Successful Schools.

He said some folks at Coxsackie-Athens may recognize him if they had any interaction with the track team.

“I am a track official and have officiated many meets down here along with my wife and my daughter from time to time,” he noted.

Darfler-Sweeney’s earlier background includes 18 years as a high school social studies teacher.

“The last 15 of those 18 years were served at Queensbury High School up by Lake George,” he said, adding that during his time as a teacher he coached cross country, skiing and bowling, as well as track and field.

“I also did many other jobs while I was a superintendent. When you are in a small school district sometimes it is a necessity. I served as the director of special education for the last three years [at HTC] concurrently while I was superintendent and also one summer as a facilities director,” said Darfler-Sweeney.

Squier, who announced his retirement date back in November, said the decision came “after much reflection and with deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve our students, staff, and community since August 2011.”

According to the district, Darfler-Sweeney will remain in the position until the ongoing superintendent search is complete.

“It’s hard for me to contain my excitement,” said Darfler-Sweeney. “I can’t wait to get started.”

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