New superintendent takes command of Carmel School District

On Monday, July 1, Erin Meehan-Fairben officially took office as superintendent of the Carmel Central School District in Putnam County, to which she has a close personal connection.

Fairben is a local native, born at Putnam County Hospital and raised in Carmel Township until age 5. As a child, she played on the steps of Carmel’s one-room school as her father, Richard R. Meehan, served in the same role she serves today in 1973.

According to district officials, Fairben now sits in the same office as her late father.

But Fairben was chosen for the role based on more than just her personal experience. She has been an educator for 32 years, teaching in elementary, middle and high schools, and has taught college-level courses for aspiring teachers at SUNY Brockport, St. John Fisher University, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Additionally, she has extensive leadership experience, having served in a variety of positions including assistant principal, principal, director of student personnel services in the Geneva City School District, and even superintendent of the New York State School for the Blind.

Additionally, she most recently served as Associate Superintendent at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES for five years.

“Throughout the application process, Dr. Fairben has consistently stood out, not only because of her high compatibility with the profile created, but also because she has demonstrated extensive knowledge of our district and a genuine passion for leading our schools,” said Dawn Dell, Chair of the Carmel School Board.

Fairben said she will focus on building strong relationships between school staff and community members during her time as superintendent.

“Throughout my career, I have worked to create inclusive environments where students and families feel a sense of ownership and connection to the school,” Fairben said.

She added, “I will continue to work closely with students, families and the larger Carmel community to continue this work.”

Fairben holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education from SUNY Geneseo and also received a doctorate and certificate in educational leadership from the University of Rochester.

She has two adult children, Anna and Edward, and her husband Kevin also works in school administration.

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