Jennifer Gaffney. Photo provided
A North Country educator has been named New York’s ‘Superintendent of the Year.’
Jennifer Gaffney is the superintendent of Sackets Harbor Central School District in Jefferson County. It’s a small district of about 480 students in a single, K-12 building.
Gaffney has been at the school since 2007, where she served as principal until she became superintendent in 2017.
Gaffney was chosen by the New York State Council of School Superintendents as their 2026 honoree. She’s been nominated twice before. The council recognized her for leading her district through two challenges in particular: COVID-19 and a regional immigration crisis.
During the pandemic, Gaffney created the innovative Sackets Support Center to tackle mental health challenges. This spring, Gaffney was central in advocating for three of her students, after they were detained by federal immigration agents during a farm raid. The local community rallied behind those students and their mother, and they were returned to the town and the school.
Gaffney will receive the award this spring. She’ll represent NY at the National Conference on Education in February.