Introducing Carmel's New Superintendent of Schools
On July 1, Erin Meehan-Fairben, Ed.D. will take over as the Carmel Central School District's new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Fairben, who brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record of educational leadership and a deep commitment to student success, was appointed by the Board of Education in February.
Dr. Fairben has been an educator for 32 years. She has taught at elementary, middle and high school as well as college-level courses for aspiring educators at SUNY Brockport, St. John Fisher, and Hobart and William Smith colleges. She has held various leadership roles at both the building and district level including Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Special Programs, Superintendent of the NYS School for the Blind, Director of P16, Assistant Superintendent and most recently as an Associate Superintendent at the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES. Throughout her career, Dr. Fairben has worked tirelessly to support all students and has expanded educational opportunities for students through collaboration, effective communication, and visionary leadership. Dr. Fairben brings with her decades of leadership experience in building strong relationships with her staff and community.
“Throughout my career, I have worked to create inclusive environments in which students and families feel a sense of ownership and connection to the schools," Dr. Fairben said. "I will continue to work closely with students, families, and the larger Carmel Community to continue this work.”
Dr. Fairben is no stranger to the Carmel community. She was born in Putnam County Hospital and lived in the district until she was about five years old. Her personal ties to the district run even deeper; her father, Richard R. Meehan, was the Superintendent of the Carmel Central School District in 1973. When she was a child, she played on the steps of Carmel's one-room schoolhouse. When she begins on July 1, she will sit in the same office where her late father once sat.
Dr. Fairben holds a bachelor's and master's in special education from SUNY Geneseo and received her doctorate and Educational Leadership Certification from the University of Rochester, where she researched how project-based learning increases self-determination skills for school-age students. She also holds permanent Teaching Special Education Certification and both School District and School Building Certifications. “Throughout the interview process Dr. Fairben continuously rose to the top, not just with her high compatibility with the profile created, but also by demonstrating a great knowledge of our district and displaying an authentic passion for leading our schools,” Board of Education President Dawn Dall said.Dr. Fairben has two adult children, Anna and Edward. Her husband, Kevin, also works in school administration.
"It is a privilege to be selected by the Board of Education as the next superintendent of this great district,” Dr. Fairben said. “I come to you looking forward to building on the traditions and successes of the Carmel Central School District.”