The Genesee Valley BOCES Board of Education has appointed Dr. Julie Donlon-Yates as the next District Superintendent of Schools, effective August 1, 2026. Dr. Donlon-Yates' appointment was approved by New York State Commissioner of Education Dr. Betty A. Rosa.
Dr. Donlon-Yates brings more than 25 years of experience in public education and over two decades of dedicated service to Genesee Valley BOCES. Most recently serving as Deputy Superintendent for Human Resources, she has provided leadership across BOCES operations while supporting the organization's 22 component school districts in strategic planning, organizational leadership, labor relations, and systemwide improvement.
Throughout her career, Dr. Donlon-Yates has held numerous leadership positions at Genesee Valley BOCES, including Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Director of Instructional Programs, Principal of Alternative Education, Dean of Students for Career and Technical Education, and Program Specialist for Alternative Education. She began her career as a special education teacher at Geneseo Central School District, where she also coached soccer and softball.
A champion for innovation and collaboration, Dr. Donlon-Yates has helped expand educational opportunities for students and strengthen services for school districts across the region. Her accomplishments include launching the Trauma, Illness and Grief (TIG) Service, securing more than $540,000 in funding to expand agribusiness programming, developing regional professional learning opportunities, and building meaningful partnerships between education, business, and community organizations to better prepare students for college, careers, and life.
Committed to regional collaboration, Dr. Donlon-Yates has also served on the Wyoming County Business Education Council and the Livingston and Genesee County Business Education Associations, helping strengthen connections between schools, employers, and community partners. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Special and Elementary Education from SUNY Plattsburgh, a Master of Education in Special Education from SUNY Geneseo, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. She holds permanent New York State certifications as a School District Administrator, School Administrator/Supervisor, Special Education Teacher (K-12), and PreK-6 Teacher.
"The Board of Education is pleased to appoint Dr. Julie Donlon-Yates as the next District Superintendent of Genesee Valley BOCES," said Norbert Fuest, President of the Genesee Valley BOCES Board of Education. "Julie's extensive leadership experience, deep understanding of BOCES services, and unwavering commitment to our students, school districts, and communities make her exceptionally well-suited to lead our organization into the future. She is passionate about building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and expanding opportunities that help students, educators, and school districts thrive. We are confident her leadership will continue to strengthen partnerships across our region and advance the exceptional work of Genesee Valley BOCES."
Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Donlon-Yates shared her gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving the students, educators, and communities of the Genesee Valley region.
"It is both an honor and a privilege to continue serving Genesee Valley BOCES and our 22 component school districts as District Superintendent. Having spent more than two decades working alongside the dedicated educators, staff, board members, and community partners of the Genesee Valley region, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue this work in a new capacity.
I am committed to advocating for every student in our region and across New York State by expanding innovative educational opportunities that align with students' interests, strengths, and the evolving needs of tomorrow's workforce. Together, we will continue building exceptional schools, strengthening our communities, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
My family and I are proud to call Livingston County home, and I look forward to continuing to live, work, and serve the Genesee Valley region as your District Superintendent.”
As District Superintendent, Dr. Donlon-Yates will serve as the chief executive officer of Genesee Valley BOCES while also representing the New York State Education Department within the supervisory district. She will continue working alongside the region's 22 component school districts to expand educational opportunities, strengthen regional partnerships, and ensure students across the Genesee Valley have access to high-quality programs and services that prepare them for success in college, careers, and life.
The Genesee Valley BOCES Board of Education sincerely thanks David O'Rourke, District Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer of Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, for serving as the search consultant throughout the "District Superintendent" search process.