The Spencer-Van Etten School District is pleased to announce the appointment of two new principals for the upcoming school year.
Patrick Patterson was appointed as the Middle School Principal at a Special Board of Education meeting that was held on July 10, 2024. He will officially begin his tenure on August 12, 2024. Mr. Patterson joins Spencer-Van Etten from the Horseheads Central School District, where he served as the Elementary Principal at Gardner Road Elementary School since 2012.
Mr. Patterson brings a wealth of experience and dedication to education, having spent the past 24 years in various teaching and administrative roles. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and General Science (7-9), a master’s degree in Literacy, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership, all from SUNY Cortland.
His career journey includes teaching second and sixth grade ELA at Vestal Central Schools, as well as third grade and serving as a Reading Teacher/Literacy Coach and Professional Development Leader at Newark Valley Central Schools. Mr. Patterson is excited to join the Spencer-Van Etten community, stating, "I am honored and excited to join the Spencer-Van Etten School District as the Middle School Principal in August. Having worked in Chemung and Tioga counties the majority of my career, I know Spencer-Van Etten is an amazing place to be. I am impressed with how welcoming the community is and how committed the staff are in ensuring every Panther succeeds. I look forward to meeting and getting to know every member of the SVE community, especially our MS Panthers. Together We Achieve!"
Dr. Bradley Countermine has been appointed as the High School Principal, effective August 1, 2024, following his appointment at the Board of Education meeting on June 13, 2024. Dr. Countermine joins the district from Stamford Central School District, where he served as the PreK-12 Principal since 2022.
Dr. Countermine holds an impressive list of academic credentials, including a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana State University, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, two master’s degrees in Special Education and Adolescent Education from SUNY Plattsburgh and The College of Saint Rose, respectively, an MA in History from SUNY Albany, and a BA from Siena College.
With 13 years of teaching experience as a Driver Education, Special Education, and Social Studies teacher in the North Country before moving into administration, Dr. Countermine is eager to bring his expertise to Spencer-Van Etten. He stated, "I'm excited to begin as the High School Principal at Spencer-Van Etten this August. It is my aim to maintain and foster a learning community where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. I look forward to working with and getting to know our students, parents, faculty, and staff. Go Panthers!"
Superintendent Barbara Case expressed her enthusiasm for the new appointments: "We are thrilled to welcome Patrick Patterson and Dr. Bradley Countermine to the Spencer-Van Etten School District. Their extensive experience and dedication to student success make them outstanding additions to our leadership team. I am confident that their passion and commitment will greatly benefit our students and the entire school community. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead under their leadership."