The Highland Central School District has announced that Dr. Patrick Boyd will become Superintendent of Schools following Joel Freer’s retirement in August. The Board of Education announced Boyd’s appointment during a public meeting on May 5, noting that his new contract will take effect on September 1.

Boyd began his career in Highland in 2009 as a Special Education teacher at the Elementary School. He became the Director of Pupil Personnel Services in 2016 and was later appointed Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services and Human Resources in 2021. In those roles, he oversaw all aspects of special education, related services, and special programs for students; led recruitment efforts and implemented new hiring practices; and managed Human Resources procedures, among other responsibilities.

In 2025, Boyd was appointed Assistant Superintendent, a newly structured leadership role that combined elements of his previous responsibilities in Human Resources with key aspects of Curriculum and Instruction, while working closely with Freer to support the overall operations and leadership of the District.

Boyd earned a bachelor’s degree from Marist College, where he double-majored in Psychology and Special Education. He went on to receive a master’s degree in Educational Psychology from Marist College and a second master’s degree in Educational Administration from Mercy College. In 2021, he earned a Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership from the American College of Education.

Board President Alan Barone said Boyd will be a strong leader who will guide the District through emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, the Portrait of a Graduate initiative, and school safety.

“Dr. Boyd’s 17-year commitment to Highland will continue as he embarks on a new path to move our District forward with his creative thinking and new ideas that enhance teaching and learning,” Barone said.

Boyd shared that he is grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the Highland community in this capacity.

“This is an honor I do not take lightly,” he said. “I am grateful for the Board’s trust and confidence, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place.”

Boyd added that over the next several months, he is committed to learning as much as possible under the guidance of Freer, his longtime mentor, who has played a significant role in his professional growth.

“I am deeply grateful for his mentorship throughout my career, and I’m excited to keep the momentum of the District moving forward,” he said.