The Catskill Central School District is pleased to introduce John P. Xanthis as our new interim superintendent. With 45 years of experience in education, Mr. Xanthis brings a wealth of knowledge to our District, having served as a teacher, counselor, principal, and superintendent at several schools in NYS.
Pragmatic optimism is a hallmark of his leadership. “There are no problems, just solutions,” he states, a nod to his belief that every challenge can be overcome, and that a positive, solution-oriented mindset is key to progress. “It’s about creating opportunities for kids. Every year we should improve upon what we are doing for them and build upon it within the confines of a responsible budget that taxpayers can support. After meeting the administration and staff last week, I’m even more excited to be joining this team.”
Xanthis’s superintendent experience includes leading the Port Jervis City School District from 2005 to 2013 and Valley Central School District from 2015 to 2022. He holds a certificate of advanced study in educational administration from SUNY New Paltz, along with a master’s degree in counseling from Long Island University, and a bachelor’s degree in history education from Susquehanna University. He is certified in NYS as a school district administrator, school administrator/supervisor, school counselor, and social studies teacher.
Since his retirement in 2022, Xanthis has provided interim administrator services for numerous schools, including interim elementary school principal in the Highland Falls Central School District, interim middle school principal in the Cornwall Central School District, interim high school principal in the Tuxedo Union Free School District, and as an interim assistant high school principal in the Warwick Valley, Pine Bush, and Minisink Valley school districts.
Xanthis began his career as a social studies teacher and coach before serving as a guidance counselor for ten years. He transitioned into administration in 1993, when he became the assistant principal at Minisink Valley Middle School, a position he held until 1995. He then served as the principal of C.J. Hooker Middle School in the Goshen Central School District from 1995 to 2003. From 2003 to 2005, he was the assistant superintendent for personnel and pupil services at the Port Jervis City School District.
“I’m all about being ‘out and about’ in the community,” Xanthis says. “I plan to be a hands-on part of the Catskill school community and be at everything from student plays to sporting events and concerts.”
Outside of work, Xanthis enjoys time spent with his large family; he’s the father of four and a grandfather to thirteen, with two more grandchildren on the way. An avid sports fan, he played football and baseball in college, roots for the Yankees, Giants, and Knicks, and now loves watching his grandkids play sports as well.
The Board of Education appointed Xanthis, effective September 22, 2025 at its August 20 meeting to manage the District while the Board conducts a search to find its next superintendent of schools. He replaces acting superintendent Deborah Johnson, who the Board appointed to fill the empty position for the summer months following the resignation of superintendent Dan Wilson at the end of June. Johnson will stay on with the District for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year as assistant superintendent.