Board of Education appoints Shannon Brinkman as assistant principal of Durgee Junior High School

The Baldwinsville Central School District is pleased to announce that the Board of Education has appointed Shannon Brinkman as assistant principal of Durgee Junior High School, effective July 1, 2026.

The appointment follows the promotion of Durgee Assistant Principal John Courain to principal, following the upcoming retirement of Principal T.J. Fraher.

Brinkman has served as Durgee’s administrative intern throughout the 2025–26 school year. In that role, she demonstrated strong instructional leadership, a student-centered approach and a deep commitment to supporting staff, students and families.

“I am looking forward to serving as assistant principal at Durgee, where I have built relationships with students, staff and families throughout the past year,” Brinkman said. “I am excited not only to support the school community, but also to continue learning and growing alongside them.”

Prior to serving at Durgee, Brinkman was a teacher at Elden Elementary School from 2020 to 2025. During that time, she was a member of the Building Leadership Team, helping to support school improvement efforts and instructional planning. She also served as the school’s Battle of the Books coach.

Before joining the Baldwinsville Central School District, Brinkman worked as a 12:1:1 Behavior Management Teacher in the North Syracuse Central School District and spent 15 years teaching elementary education in California.

Brinkman’s experience and leadership style reflect her commitment to collaboration, relationship-building, and thoughtful decision-making focused on student success.

Interview committees that included staff members and parents assisted with the selection process for this important position. The district extends its appreciation to everyone who volunteered their time and provided valuable feedback throughout the process.

Please join us in congratulating Shannon on this well-deserved appointment. We look forward to her continued leadership and the positive impact she will have on the students, staff and families of the Durgee Junior High School community.