The Randolph Academy Union Free School District Board of Education named Danielle J. Cook as the district’s new superintendent last evening. Currently the secondary (i.e., middle and high school) principal with Panama Central School in Panama, N.Y., she will begin her new duties on July 1.
Mrs. Cook, whose career includes more than 15 years as an educator, has served as principal of the more than 450-student Panama district since 2017. Prior to her current role as principal, she served for three years as school psychologist for the Panama and Clymer Central School districts. Prior to this, she was an Applied Behavior Science Specialist with The Resource Center, a not-for-profit organization which serves persons with disabilities, based in Jamestown, N.Y.
Cook’s philosophy of education was a strong factor in the board’s decision. Specifically, she believes all students should have an opportunity to become productive members of society. She recognizes that this requires differentiation of instruction as well as data-based skills instruction. She is a proponent of strong procedures and systems, believes in encouraging positive behavior within student management, and is committed to ongoing professional development for all of her colleagues.
“Danielle Cook rose to the top of our applicant pool for a number of reasons,” said Randolph Academy Board of Education President Mary Myers. “She places safety, student achievement, collaboration, collegiality, and goal-oriented decisions among her core values. She is especially invigorated by the supportive, family-based culture we have at Randolph Academy, making her an ideal choice to lead and grow our district at this time.”
“I’m truly honored for the opportunity to lead Randolph Academy,” Cook added. “I’m very excited to work in a district that provides such unique services to students with unique circumstances from across Western New York and throughout the state. The leadership position which it has established in the Restorative Justice arena is impressive and inspiring. I’m genuinely energized to become part of that, and to learn and grow with them.”
Cook earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Penn State-Behrend in Erie, Pa., and completed a master’s of Education in Educational Psychology as well as an Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from Edinboro University. She has also completed a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership and District Leadership from SUNY Fredonia. A native of Pittsburgh, she currently resides in Warren, Pa., with her husband and three children.
