The Tri-Valley Central School Board of Education is pleased to announce the final candidates in the search for a new Superintendent. The community is welcome to attend the community forum that will take place on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Tri-Valley Secondary School Collaboration Space. During the forum, the community is invited to observe, however there will be no direct communication between the candidate and the audience.
Dr. Derek Adams
Dr. Derek Adams is a dedicated educational leader with a deep commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and community-centered growth. Growing up in Livingston Manor with deep roots in the Catskill region, Dr. Adams has spent most of his career serving the students of Sullivan County.
Dr. Adams holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education, where his research focused on systemic improvements to chronic absenteeism for disadvantaged students. He maintains New York State certifications as a School District Leader and a School Building Leader. His career is marked by a wide array of experience, from his early years teaching Physical Education at Sullivan BOCES and coaching in local districts, to pivotal leadership roles as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Tri-Valley Secondary School and Wallkill Senior High School.
Most recently, Dr. Adams served as the Principal of Liberty High School for seven years, where he helped to transform culture by systematizing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and enhancing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). In recognition of his leadership, he was honored with the Mid-Hudson School Study Council Award for Excellence in Administration in 2020. In his current role as Assistant Superintendent of the Liberty Central School District, he has worked to scale his impact by leading district-wide strategic planning, curriculum mapping, and operations.
A transformational and servant leader recognized for his ability to build consensus and empower others, Dr. Adams is committed to fostering rigorous, inclusive, and high-quality learning environments. He is a collaborative partner who values transparency and data-driven decision- making to ensure every student reaches their full potential.
Dr. Adams lives in the community with his wife, Jamie, and their two daughters, Juliana and Alicia. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, researching, and weightlifting.
Dr. Joseph W. Lloyd
Dr. Joseph W. Lloyd is a student-centered educational leader with more than 24 years of experience in public education. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the State University of New York at Albany.
Currently, Dr. Lloyd serves as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in the South Orangetown Central School District, leading districtwide work in staffing, long-range planning, organizational coherence, and systems that advance teaching, learning, and student success.
Previously, Dr. Lloyd served as Principal of Sloatsburg Elementary School in the Suffern Central School District, where a comprehensive school improvement plan contributed to recognition in 2019 as a New York State Gap Closing School for English Language Learners. Earlier in his career, he worked as an assistant principal, acting principal, and classroom teacher in the North Rockland Central School District.
Across his career, Dr. Lloyd has focused on creating inspiring learning environments, supporting high-quality staff, and aligning district systems to mission-driven priorities with strong fiscal stewardship and transparency. He is known for cultivating collaborative, trust-based relationships with district unions to promote a positive labor climate so that teaching and learning remain at the center of the school experience.
Dr. Lloyd stated that he was excited to have the opportunity to partner with the Tri-Valley Central School District Board of Education, faculty, staff, and community, honoring the strengths of a close-knit, rural district while advancing its mission of developing curious, resilient, and confident students.