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The Cato-Meridian board of education said in a  on the district's website that Kasey Dolson and Dee Froio are the top contenders for the superintendent position there, and recently finished the last round of interviews. 

Dr. Terry Ward, who led the district for seven years, left in early January to become superintendent of the North Syracuse Central School District. Michael Hoose has served as Cato-Meridian's interim superintendent since Jan. 6. 

The board said that as a part of a "Day in the District" experience, Dolson and Froio visited the district's schools, met with staff, talked to stakeholders and had a final discussion with board members.

Dolson has served as the assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment at the Liverpool Central School District since 2023. Her prior roles include being a teacher, instructional coach, high school principal and executive director, with over 20 years total in education. She is passionate about student-centered learning and has led work to integrate academics, mental health support and social-emotional learning, the board said.

Froio has been the assistant superintendent for teaching, learning and accountability in the Hannibal Central School District since 2016. She is is also the district's Title IX officer and represents Hannibal on regional curriculum councils. The Cato-Meridian board said Froio is a former middle school principal who is centered on improving student achievement through strong instructional programs, professional learning communities and curriculum development.

After making its final decision, the Cato-Meridian board will begin contract negotiations with its selection before naming and appointing them. The board thanked those who took part in the process, including stakeholder committee members who gave feedback.

Southern Cayuga names interim superintendent

Meanwhile, the Southern Cayuga Central School District has appointed Hoose as its interim superintendent, effective July 1.

Patrick Jensen is set to retire from the position June 30 after running the Poplar Ridge-based district for 13 years.

Hoose was appointed at a special board of education meeting March 6, according to on the district's website. 

In addition to serving as Cato-Meridian's temporary leader over the last couple months, Hoose's experience includes being the superintendent for the Cortland Enlarged City School District for eight years until he retired in 2020.

According to the minutes from the Southern Cayuga board's , a resolution was approved to appoint Dr. Brian Hartwell, district superintendent of Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES, as consultant for the superintendent search.