Carmel Schools Superintendent Resigns

After serving less than one year with the Carmel Central School District, Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben announced last week that she will be retiring from her role effective June 22.

“Although my time in Carmel has been brief, it has been deeply meaningful,” she said. “Over the past several months, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know a remarkable team of educators and staff, as well as a supportive and engaged community. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served the students and families of the Carmel Central School District – even for a short time.”

Meehan-Fairben’s appointment was announced by the Carmel School Board in February 2024, and it took effect July 1.

“In every interaction, I’ve seen a district filled with heart, dedication, and a shared commitment to doing what’s best for children,” said Meehan-Fairben. “Thank you for welcoming me, for your collaboration, and for the work you do every day to make Carmel a place where students can grow, learn and thrive.”

“It is with great loss the Board of Education has learned that Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben has decided to retire,” the school board wrote in an April 23 email to the community. “We are committed to the continued growth of the Carmel Central School District and will begin efforts to find the next leader of our district.”

Meehan-Fairben replaced Acting Superintendent Joseph McGrath, director of technology at the district, after former full-time Superintendent Mary-Margaret Zehr resigned June 30 after serving the district for two years.