
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Donna Watson announced her plans to retire in September after more than 30 years in education.
After a remarkable career spanning more than 30 years in education, Troy City School District Deputy Superintendent Dr. Donna Watson has announced her plans to retire, effective September 30, 2025.
Dr. Watson joined Troy CSD in 2013 as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and was named Deputy Superintendent in July 2023. She immediately made an impact on the faculty, staff and students in Troy.
“Dr. Watson’s impact on the students of Troy and on the entire school community over the last twelve years has been immeasurable,” said Superintendent John Carmello. “She has strengthened our curriculum and instruction practices and has been an integral part of the incredible gains we have made in student achievement. She will certainly be missed.”
Dr. Watson’s dedication to aligning every initiative with the district’s mission–to provide a strong educational and social foundation to graduate all students college and career ready- has left an indelible mark on the students, families and staff of Troy. During her tenure here, she launched the Efficacy Campaign, implemented the Data, Feedback, Strategy (DFS) meetings, negotiated an evidence-based observation system, secured competitive grant funding and designed a K-12 curriculum management system to ensure access to rigorous and relevant curricula for all students. Her work has also focused on expanding college and career opportunities for all students, beginning as early as kindergarten.
While special events like graduations, morning programs, Read Across America, college and career days, book studies, and especially Halloween will always hold a special place in her heart, Dr. Watson says she’ll miss the daily interactions with students, families and staff the most.
Reflecting on her time here, Dr. Watson said, “The past twelve years working in Troy have been some of the most fulfilling of my entire career. I have been honored to work alongside such a talented team of leaders, faculty, staff and members of the Board of Education – all committed to keeping the students at the heart of every single decision. Together, we have embraced opportunities to learn, work, grow and adapt, always with a shared commitment to excellence for all. Serving the Troy community has been an absolute joy and privilege, and I am so very proud of all that we have accomplished together.”

Dr. Watson read “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” to students for Read Across America Day in March 2024.
Before joining Troy CSD, Dr. Watson served as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Pupil Personnel Services at the Schodack Central School District. She also held roles as a high school English teacher and Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the Watervliet City School District , and as a high school Spanish teacher at the Academy of the Holy Names. She holds NYS certifications as both a School District Administrator, a School Building Administrator and a School Business Administrator. Dr. Watson, who earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from SUNY Albany prior to coming to Troy, has shared an intense commitment to lifelong personal and professional growth.
During her tenure in Troy, she also completed a Human Resources Management Certificate from Cornell University, a Certificate of Advanced Educational Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and represented the United States of America as a Fulbright Fellow as part of the Leaders for Global Schools Program in Finland. She has served as a Board member for both Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York and the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Her career has truly been defined by her intense passion for education and commitment to creating opportunities for all students to succeed.
“The Troy City School District extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Watson for her exceptional service, leadership and dedication over the past 12 years,” said Troy CSD Board President Anne Wager-Rounds. We wish her nothing but the best as she begins this well-earned new chapter in her life.”

Dr. Watson says spending time with students in the classroom is always one of her favorite activities.