Our Misson

The Averill Park Central School District, through active school and community partnering, will ensure diverse educational opportunities for every student in a safe, respectful, student-centered environment empowering each to become a self-sufficient productive member of their community.

About Us

The Averill Park Central School District serves the needs of elementary, secondary, and special education students residing in the towns of Berlin, Brunswick, East Greenbush, Nassau, North Greenbush, Poestenkill, Sand Lake, Schodack and Stephentown. Encompassing a 120 square mile area within a twenty-minute drive of Albany and Troy, New York, the district educates over 2,700 students.

Combining the qualities of a rural suburban setting with the benefit of a strong and vibrant community, the district is committed to student learning and achievement in its three elementary schools ( Poestenkill, Miller Hill – Sand Lake, West Sand Lake), its middle school (Algonquin) and its High School.

The community has consistently shown that it places a high value on education by supporting capital improvement projects. This commitment to education enables the district to make critical repairs and renovations that address student safety, security and instructional needs, while maintaining the community’s investment in its schools.

Through dedication and hard work, administrators, staff, parents, students and the Board of Education are working together to provide the very best in education to this generation and beyond.

Superintendent Dr. James Franchini

Dr. James Franchini holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, along with a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, and has been with Averill Park Central School District in the role of Superintendent since 2017.

Prior to beginning his career in education, Dr. Franchini attended RPI and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Technology Studies. Following graduation, he worked in the private sector for an information technology company before moving into education. His first job as an educator came in Jersey City Public Schools as a Sixth Grade teacher, where he spent three years.

From 2000-2005, Dr. Franchini worked in urban school districts before taking on the role of Assistant Principal at Algonquin Middle School in the Averill Park Central School District. He spent four years in that role before becoming the Principal at Algonquin from 2009-2011.

Dr. Franchini left Averill Park and spent four years as the Voorheesville Middle School Principal (2011-2015). He then served two years as the Assistant Superintendent for Finance Operations at Voorheesville CSD (2015-2016). In 2017, Dr. Franchini accepted the position of Superintendent at Averill Park CSD.

He earned his Master’s Degree from Columbia University and his Doctorate at The Sage Colleges.

Dr. Franchini is committed to meeting the needs of, and creating opportunities for, every student, every day at Averill Park CSD.