"As a longstanding member of the VVS community, I am incredibly honored and excited to give back to the district that has given so much to my family and me,” said Mr. Graves. “VVS has a proud tradition of academic excellence, strong values, and community connection. I look forward to working alongside the talented faculty and staff to build upon that foundation and expand opportunities for ALL students. The chance to lead in the district where I live, raise my family, and have deep generational ties is both a privilege and a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly.”

Mr. Graves most recently served as Superintendent of Stockbridge Valley Central School District, where he led initiatives to improve student outcomes, enhance instructional programs, and strengthen relationships across the district and broader community. His prior leadership experience includes roles as a middle school principal, high school assistant principal, athletic director, director of academics, and classroom teacher.

“Education is more than a profession—it’s a privilege, a responsibility, and a profound opportunity to positively impact the lives of so many,” Mr. Graves said. 

Throughout his career, Mr. Graves has been recognized for building inclusive school cultures, prioritizing community engagement, and championing student success. His leadership style is grounded in integrity, transparency, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to putting students first.

“My mission is to support the success of every student by fostering a personalized, whole-child approach to education, where academic growth, character development, and future readiness are equally valued,” Mr. Graves shared. “I am committed to building strong partnerships with families, staff, and the broader community to ensure that every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.”

The decision to appoint Mr. Graves followed a comprehensive search process conducted by the VVS Board of Education. Board president Ann Pangburn praised the diligence of her Board colleagues, who worked for months to evaluate a competitive field of 23 applicants with excellent credentials. The Board narrowed the field to ten, then five, and two individuals were interviewed in the final round.

“The VVS Board of Education is very happy to welcome Mr. Corey Graves to be our next superintendent,” said Mrs. Pangburn. “The Board cared deeply that the new superintendent be ready for the start of school, so we underwent a rigorous selection process.” 

“Mr. Graves stood out to us for his experience, his understanding of our culture, and the successful leadership he already demonstrated in his former district,” she continued. “He is a match for what we value in VVS—integrity, transparency, putting kids first, and strong people skills. He also brings a deep understanding of the financial, instructional, and social-emotional dimensions of education. We believe he will hit the ground running, continue the good work already underway, and offer fresh eyes and ideas that will make us even stronger.”

The search included three rounds of interviews, focus groups, multiple meetings, and community surveys. The Board wishes to extend its appreciation to all who participated in shaping the district’s vision for its next leader.

“I’d like to thank Mr. Budelmann, our search consultant, attorneys Mr. Shields and Mr. Berck, and the entire Board for their tireless efforts,” the Board President added. “We also extend sincere gratitude to the community for sharing their voices through ThoughtExchange. The input we received about what the community wanted in a new superintendent was a vital part of our process. VVS is a great district—we value our teachers, staff, and families. We work together for the good of future generations, and we have a bright future.”

Mr. Graves holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from SUNY Oswego, along with a Master of Science in Health Education from SUNY Cortland. He has shared his educational expertise at numerous state and regional education conferences and  was honored as Supervisor of the Year by Madison County BRIDGES in 2024.

As both an educational leader and a VVS parent, Mr. Graves brings a unique perspective to his new role, one that is deeply rooted in the district's values, people, and pride. His personal connection to the community, combined with his professional accomplishments, positions him to lead with insight and purpose.

“VVS is a place where community pride runs deep, where generations of families, educators, and students have contributed to a strong and vibrant school community,” he said. “As a parent in the district, I’ve seen firsthand the commitment of our staff, the talent and spirit of our students, and the support of our families. What makes VVS truly special is our people. I plan to build on that by creating meaningful engagement opportunities, supporting professional growth, and ensuring that our schools continue to serve as a cornerstone of the community, where every student is inspired to dream big and achieve more. Together, we will uphold the proud traditions that define VVS while embracing innovation to prepare our students for success in an ever-evolving world.”