Two educators are the top contenders to be the next superintendent of the Weedsport Central School District.
The Weedsport board of education has chosen Luke Carnicelli and Gregory Stone as the finalists for the district's superintendent job, according to a news release. Shaun O'Connor, who has been in the role since 2005, is slated to retire Jan. 1, 2024. The district noted that Stone and Carnicelli passed two prior rounds of interviews "with a highly competitive candidate pool." A final round of evaluations is set for Wednesday, Sept. 27, and Thursday, Sept. 28, involving school visits, visits to the central office, discussions with stakeholders and a concluding meeting with the school board.听
Carnicelli, the principal of Southern Cayuga Junior-Senior High School in Poplar Ridge, was previously the middle school principal at the Central Square Central School District. His academic preparedness and continued professional development includes a certificate of advanced study, educational leadership and a master's degree in education, curriculum and instruction from SUNY Oswego, the district said, plus a superintendent development program through Oswego.
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Luke Carnicelli
"With two decades of administrative experience and a proven track record of leadership, Mr. Carnicelli is well-equipped to continue the tradition of excellence in Weedsport Central School District," the district said. "His accomplishments include enhancing student outcomes through innovative instructional practices, driving educational learning initiatives, strategic planning, curriculum development and community engagement."
Stone is the director of English language arts and elementary education at the North Syracuse Central School District, and was previously principal of Smith Road Elementary School in that district. He also has a certificate of advanced study, educational leadership from Le Moyne College, a master's degree in education, curriculum and instruction from SUNY Oswego, and a bachelor's degree in music education from Ithaca College.

Gregory Stone
"With an extensive background in education, Mr. Stone brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of successful leadership to the Weedsport Central School District," district said. "Mr. Stone's qualifications are a testament to his deep understanding and expertise in key educational domains, including curriculum and instruction, fiscal accountability and budgeting, educational systems and supports, NYS laws and regulations, professional growth/development, personnel management, and strategic planning."
In late June, the Weedsport school board selected Dr. Brian Hartwell, the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES district superintendent, as the consultant for the Weedsport superintendent search.