The Kendall Central School District Board of Education has chosen three finalists for the district’s next top administrator. The finalists are Jennifer DeVinney, Nicholas Picardo, and Kerstin “Kas” Wheeler.
Jennifer DeVinney is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction in the Lyons Central School District and has served in that position since 2019. Prior to that, DeVinney was the Director of Technology and Curriculum for two years and the Middle-High School Assistant Principal for one year, both in the Lyons Central School District. She taught middle school Spanish for nine years in the Solvay Union Free School District and AP Spanish for one year in the Westhill School District. DeVinney holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education and Spanish from Elmira College, a Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership from the University of Phoenix, and a Master’s Degree in School Building and School District Leadership from St. John’s University. She previously served on the Board of Education in the Red Creek Central School District where she currently resides with her husband Nathan, who is an electrician. DeVinney and her husband are small business owners and have four children: Connor, 11, Addison, 9, Reagan, 7 and Barrett, 2.
Nicholas Picardo is currently the Executive Director for Student Services and Athletic Director for the Kendall Central School District and has served in those positions since July 2018. Prior to that, Picardo served as the Coordinator of Student Services and Committee on Special Education Chair in the Kendall Central School District, a position he began in July 2014. Picardo has spent his educational career in the Kendall Central School District serving as an administrator, Social Studies teacher, department chair, coach and advisor. Picardo holds a Bachelor of Science in History from SUNY Geneseo, a Master of Science in Education from Roberts Wesleyan College, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Education Administration from SUNY Brockport. He also completed the Future Superintendents Academy program through the New York State Council of School Superintendents. Picardo and his wife Kelly live in the Kendall Central School district where their daughter Sophia attends school.
Kerstin “Kas” Wheeler earned a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Foreign Languages with a concentration in business and a Master of Science in Education from Nazareth College. She earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport. Wheeler has served in both small and large districts as a teacher in both general and special education, a building leader, Director and Assistant Superintendent. She is also currently serving as an educational consultant through the New York State Council of School Superintendents, as well as the chair-elect of the Rochester Finger Lakes Affiliate of NYS Association for Women in Administration. Wheeler is a self-proclaimed bookworm, appreciator of the arts and outdoor enthusiast. She cherishes family time with her husband, their three children, and grandchild.
“The Kendall Board of Education is pleased with the committed educational leaders we have announced as finalists. We’d like to thank the entire Kendall community for the feedback they provided during this process,” said Board President Lisa Levett. “We are confident this process will deliver a new leader who will support a well-rounded 21st century educational program that includes the arts and extracurricular activities. One who will promote growth, demonstrate a commitment to equity for all and invest in developing strong relationships with the Board of Education, our staff and community through transparent leadership.”
“The members of the Kendall Board of Education have dedicated themselves to an intensive process to select finalists for a new superintendent,” said Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES District Superintendent and Search Consultant Jo Anne L. Antonacci. “Their choice of three qualified candidates demonstrates their commitment to providing Kendall with exceptional leadership.”
The finalists are each scheduled for individual day-long visits to district buildings. Jennifer DeVinney visited on October 21. Nicholas Picardo will visit on Wednesday, October 27, and Kerstin “Kas” Wheeler on Thursday, October 28. Each day-long visit will end with a Meet the Finalist Forum beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Kendall Junior/Senior High School Auditorium for all community members to meet the candidates in person.
Any questions regarding the superintendent search process should be directed to District Superintendent and Search Consultant Jo Anne L. Antonacci at jantonac@monroe2boces.org or 352-2411.
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