OCSU narrows superintendent search, community weighs in at public forum

BARTON –– The Orleans Central Supervisory Union (OCSU) superintendent search committee held a community forum on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in the Lake Region Union High School cafeteria.

Three candidates—Jackie Ramsay-Tolman, Christopher Lawson, and Jodie Stewart-Ruck—participated in a community forum, each answering questions for 30 minutes.

Following the forum, the OCSU board conducted final interviews in executive session at a special board meeting. A decision will be announced soon.

Candidate Profiles:

• Jackie Ramsay-Tolman: From Greensboro, Ramsay-Tolman has extensive education experience, including teaching, special education, administration, and curriculum development. Currently the Director of Learning and Instructional Impact in the Essex-Westford school district, she recently served as interim superintendent. She prioritizes teacher support and community engagement to rebuild trust and address funding challenges. Ramsay-Tolman advocates for high learning standards for all students, a guaranteed curriculum, and early intervention.

• Christopher Lawson: A Northeast Kingdom native, Lawson has 20 years of experience as a middle school math teacher and administrator, currently serving as the principal of Charleston Elementary School. He is also a principal mentor. Lawson focuses on collaboration, distributive leadership, and proactive teacher recruitment and retention. He values community input and transparency in decision-making and aims to improve educational outcomes through collaboration and innovation.

• Jodie Stewart-Ruck: Residing in Middletown Springs, Stewart-Ruck is the Assistant Superintendent of the Mill River Unified Union School District. With 22 years in education, including 10 in New York City public schools, she has held various roles from teacher to administrator. A mother of three, she is committed to a positive educational environment, teacher retention, and facility improvements. Stewart-Ruck emphasizes community input, transparency, and a balanced approach to funding and resource allocation.

Jodie Stewart-Ruck told attendees she looks forward to becoming a member of the community, should she get the position.

All three candidates are promising professionals with outstanding qualifications to become the next OCSU superintendent.