Incoming Newfield superintendent Jesse Harper starting from ‘ground level’

Jesse Harper gained a wealth of experience during his nine years as superintendent at Arkport Central School District.

As he gets his feet wet in the superintendent role at Newfield Central School District (CSD), he’s starting from the ground level.

“I’m the new person at Newfield, so I get to learn and really ask those questions about what we do and why we do it and what we need to improve,” Harper said.

Harper was selected as Newfield CSD’s new superintendent in May. He started on July 1 and replaced Eric Hartz, the now-former superintendent who retired at the end of the 2024-25 school year.

While Harper entered his position at Arkport with less experience as an administrator, he came out of that job having the knowledge that has helped him to become a leader.

In the midst of superintendent interviews at Newfield, it clicked for Harper that the area’s “small-town feel” was the best fit for him.

“It became so important for me. Every interaction I had reinforced that this is the place I needed to be,” Harper said. “It’s been fantastic. There’s a difference coming into the position with experience.”

Harper was born and raised in Syracuse. He graduated from Nottingham High School in 1997 and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering and material science from Alfred University.

His appreciation for the Southern Tier was followed by a family with a wife and two children.

“The Southern Tier became a part of me, so I stayed here,” Harper added.

The transition from a science lab to a classroom was a quick one for Harper. His passion led to teaching high school chemistry and physics for seven years.

“I loved (the lab work) and I love science, but I knew I wasn’t going to be happy in a lab for the rest of my life,” Harper said. “It kind of clicked that teaching was my passion, so that’s what drew me in.”

While Harper credits Arkport CSD for his upbringing in administration, he wanted a new challenge.

“My passion is being a small school superintendent,” Harper said. “There’s a level of accountability for a superintendent in a small district that you don’t get in bigger districts. While I was looking for a new challenge and something different for me, I really wanted to be in a small district.”

Newfield CSD is in the middle of a $21 million capital project. Harper oversaw two construction projects at Arkport, so the one at Newfield was a smooth transition for him.

“It’s not going to be taking up all my time and effort because I’ve done it before,” Harper added. “It’s a great upgrade to parts of the facility. There’s a lot of maintenance that is going on with drainage. Some of it is not a ‘wow’ factor, but it all needs to be done. The project is well planned and well thought out. Now it’s my job, along with faculty and staff, to get the school ready for the beginning of September around the construction.”

With the 2025-26 school year drawing closer, Harper is focused on the relationships at Newfield, whether it’s within the school buildings or the community.

“I have ideas, but I’m spending this school year getting to know the community, the faculty and the staff and the students. I really want to listen to them before we figure out what we’re going to do next,” he said.

One thing is for sure — Harper is a big advocate for transparency.

“It’s learning about the community,” he said. “One thing I’m aware of is improving the communication channels. Newfield has those communication channels, but it’s about making them more accessible and making information more readily obtainable. It’s about making it in a way that all our school community members can easily understand.”

Harper appreciates Newfield CSD, its board of education and the community for taking a chance on him and welcoming him to town.

“Education is such a special profession,” he added. “We’re all highly trained professionals, but we take care of people’s children. There’s a lot of trust that goes into that. I cannot wait to learn more and build on what is already great about Newfield.”

In brief:

Newfield Community Appreciation Day

The Newfield Lions Club, in collaboration with the Newfield Old Home Days committee, will hold a Community Appreciation Day on July 26.

The event will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at the Newfield Fire Department at 77 Main St.

The following activities will take place at the event:

• Car show from noon to 3 p.m.
• Ageless Jazz Band from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• Barrel train ride for kids from 1 to 5 p.m.

The event will also include a chicken barbecue that begins at noon, a touch-a-truck program, local vendors and more. A fireworks show will occur at dusk at the athletic fields on Vankirk Road.

For more information, contact Dede Smith at dee8194@gmail.com.