Administration

Mr. Benjamin Halsey
Superintendent of Schools

17 years of Superintendent Experience over 3 school districts including North Collins Central School, Oswego City Schools, and Pioneer Central School.

Served as a Junior-Senior HS Principal, Assistant Principal, and Athletic Director before becoming a Superintendent.  I have also held the title of Business Official, Director of Special Education, and Transportation Director during my educational career.

I began my teaching career as a physical education and health teacher and I have coached all levels of sports including football, wrestling, basketball, baseball and softball,  

Bachelor's Degree from St. Lawrence University, and Masters Degrees from University at Buffalo , and St. Bonaventure University.

I enjoy sports, weightlifting, learning to cook, watching my children grow up and I am a die-hard Buffalo Bills, Syracuse Orange  and now The Flying Forts fan.

Could not be more proud to be here.

Christopher Culnan
Jr/Sr High Principal 

This year starts my 30th year in education and 25th in administration.  I started my career at Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, NY as a Social Studies and Physical Education teacher as well as a coach in basketball, golf and tennis.  My administrative career began in 2002 as a 6-12 associate principal (and varsity basketball coach) in the Rensselaer City School District.   

After 4 years at Rensselaer, I moved up the northway to the Shenendehowa Central School District in Clifton Park, NY.   After spending two years as a class principal, I took on the role of Director of Athletics and Physical Education for the district.  This was a position I held for over 18 years.  I am extremely proud that our teams won over 200 Sectional, Regional and State Championships combined during my time and that 99% of those same teams were recognized as NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete winners.   

I am thrilled to join the rich history here in the Fort Edward Union Free School District as the Secondary School Principal and Athletic Administrator.  I look forward to enhancing the school experience so that every student and athlete can reach their full potential.  

I am a graduate of SUNY Cortland and the University of Albany.  I hold a bachelors from SUNY Cortland and two masters degrees from the University of Albany.   I love spending time with my son Logan, playing golf and traveling to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Jessica Smatko
Elementary Principal 

This marks my 23rd year with the Fort Edward Union Free School District. Throughout my career, I have taught first and third grades and worked in special education classrooms. I have also served as the After School Enrichment Coordinator and the Summer Academy Coordinator for several years. Additionally, I take pride in being an active member of the Fort Edward Teachers Association, where I have held the position of New Member Coordinator and enjoy volunteering in the community. 

For the past two years, I have worked as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) and School Improvement Coordinator, collaborating across the district. Before entering the education field, I gained valuable experience in Human Resources and Accounting.

I hold a Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and Master's Degrees from the College of St. Joseph and SUNY Plattsburgh.

In my free time, I enjoy gardening, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with my family. As a dedicated FORTS fan, I am excited to lead this remarkable team of faculty and staff.