Meet the Director: Sue Wilison Brings Experience to New Position

The School Support Services Division proudly welcomed Sue Wilson as Director in late April 2025. Bringing 25 years of diverse experience in the educational field as a teacher, coach, and administrator, she has been the perfect addition to the S3.

Ms. Wilson’s career began as a High School English Teacher at Ausable Valley Central School, and she later advanced to various positions within the Plattsburgh City School District, including teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and director of management.

Now as she leads the way for S3, let’s take a chance to get to know her a bit more.

Q: How would you describe the role of Director of School Support Services?

A: This is a question I found myself answering a lot lately. When I am asked about my new job or what I do for a living, I find myself highlighting the responsibilities rather than the job title because it is easier for people to understand.

CVES serves surrounding school districts in a variety of ways. My job is to oversee those services that directly impact students and instruction. They are broad and include instructional technology, interscholastic athletics, school library systems, arts in education, model schools, publications and communications, instructional planning, grants, musical instrument repair, and health and safety. Each of these services is directly managed and run by hard-working and talented individuals. My responsibility is to support and assist them. The other large part of my role is to collaboratively develop and coordinate relevant professional development, promoting quality teaching and learning.

Q: What inspired you to continue your career in education at CVES?

A: This position is the perfect pairing of my past experiences, teaching, and leadership. Just like when I was a teacher and a coach, I have an opportunity to educate, focusing on offering workshops and providing information on best practices and new initiatives. At the same time, I’m utilizing prior leadership skills and knowledge, developing systems, and supporting staff to achieve their best. The opportunity to work for an organization and alongside people that are future focused and visionary, while striving for continuous improvement is one that I could not pass up. It feels really good to be in a role where my primary focus is to support and serve.

Q: How would you describe the team of professionals the School Support Services Division has?

A: So helpful! Joining a new organization means I am asking lots of questions, and everyone has been so supportive! It’s a tenor that applies to all facets of the School Support Services Division. Each member of the team has a genuine desire to serve the organization and the component districts in any way they can. I’m grateful for their collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment.

Q: What do you want others to know about the many professional development opportunities CVES offers?

A: PD can be informative and affirming, knowing you are headed in the right direction. Either way, professional development is a wonderful way to “recharge” one’s batteries. The opportunity to share conversations, ideas, and strategies with

colleagues is so beneficial. Teachers and administrators work hard and have very full plates. The goal of professional development is to inform, inspire and assist, allowing participants to leave with meaningful tactics that can make their professional lives better.

Q: Since joining CVES, what is a recent success story you have experienced that makes you proud?

A; Well, I have only been here for three months, so I still have so much to learn. However, I spent my initial weeks on the job meeting with the individuals responsible for each cooperative service in the division. It offered an opportunity to learn about their Co-Ser, how it has evolved, and their hopes for the future. This allowed me to report out, with confidence, at the June administrative meeting on accomplishments from the year, even though I had only been a member of the team for one month. Investing time to get to know your team members and how they contribute pays dividends!

Q: If you only had three words to describe the characteristics of School Support Services, what would they be?

A; Diverse, significant, and transformational

Q: What are your top priorities for the upcoming school year?

A: I’d like to expand upon School and Curriculum Improvement and its offerings, with the goal of adding additional facilitators. There are wonderful educators in our region with exceptional skill sets. I would like them to share their expertise, allowing for greater breadth of content and an increased number of professional development workshops. I’m also hoping to partner with districts to address their individual needs, such as specific trainings and mentoring/instructional coaching.

Here are the fun quick-hitter questions:

Q: Favorite color?

A: I’m a classic person. I gravitate towards neutrals and while my wardrobe is composed primarily of those shades, if I had to pick a favorite color, I guess it would be blue. I don’t think there is a shade of blue that I don’t like.

Q: Favorite sport?

A: Hmmm . . . I loved playing and coaching basketball, but I love sports in general. These days, I gravitate more towards “life-long sports” and have been “retired” from playing team sports for quite some time.

Q: Favorite snack?

A: Berries and fruits of every kind.

Q: Favorite song?

A: I just love music in general, and my taste is eclectic. I don’t have a favorite song because there is a song for every mood and occasion so what I listen to depends on the day. I’ve grown to really like “coastal country” artists like Zac Brown Band and Kenny Chesney – especially in the summer. But if I am working out, I’m all about classics rock like ACDC or mixes with beats per minute, inspiring me to keep my body moving.

Q: Favorite hobby?

A: I really love exercise of all kinds and feel at my best when I get a chance to move my body in some way. I’m up for anything when it comes to exercise and sports. And while my competitive fire has died down a bit as I’ve aged, I must admit that I can be fiercely competitive.

Q: Favorite book?

A: I don’t have a favorite. Of Mice and Men from my teaching days comes to mind. These days, I primarily read non-fiction and really enjoy authors like Dan Buettner and Dr. Michael Greger. It’s dorky, but I love reading books on how to promote health and wellbeing.