If you haven’t heard the news yet, Weedsport Elementary School Principal Tim Cowin is retiring at the end of the school year. 

 

Weedsport Superintendent Gregory M. Stone recently announced that Nicole Kulikowski has been selected to fill those big shoes. 

 

“Following an extensive interview process,” Stone said in an email to the district, “Nicole’s exceptional instructional leadership and vision for student success distinguished her as the ideal fit for our district. I want to extend my gratitude to the hiring committee, composed of dedicated staff and community members. Their leadership, thoughtful insights, and commitment to our students were invaluable throughout this rigorous selection process.”

 

Kulikowski brings over 15 years of classroom experience from the Syracuse City School District, followed by a successful tenure as a Reading/AIS Interventionist at North Syracuse CSD. For the past six years, she has served as the PK–12 Literacy and RTI Coordinator for North Syracuse. In that role, she spearheaded the adoption and implementation of several key district-wide literacy initiatives and notably led a comprehensive revision of the district’s MTSS plan. Her work successfully wove academic, behavioral, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into a unified, proactive framework to support all students. In addition to her district-wide leadership, Kulikowski is a recognized expert in literacy instruction as a LETRS 1–4 and 5–8 trainer. She possesses a deep mastery of the NYS Next Generation Learning Standards and the Social Studies Framework, with a proven track record of aligning intervention programs to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

 

We got the chance to speak with Kulikowski about her upcoming role here in Weedsport. You can read that interview below:

Weedsport Central School District: What about the Weedsport Elementary School principal position was attractive to you?

Nicole Kulikowski: What drew me to the Weedsport Elementary School principal position was how closely the district’s strategic plan connects to my own beliefs about teaching and learning. I value collaboration, shared responsibility, and always looking for ways to grow, and it is clear that Weedsport is committed to that work through its focus on Professional Learning Communities and supporting all students.

In my current district level role, I have had the opportunity to support systems and initiatives across buildings, but I have missed being in a school setting where I can work more closely with students and teachers. Being present each day, building relationships, and working alongside teachers to support student growth is something I am truly excited about.WCSD: Tell us about your career up until this point.

WCSD: How long have you been working towards an admin position?

NK: I began my career after graduating from SUNY Plattsburgh as a classroom teacher in the Syracuse City School District, where I taught for sixteen years. While teaching, I earned my master’s degree in literacy from SUNY Cortland. I later moved into a role as an Academic Intervention Specialist in the North Syracuse Central School District.

After four years in that role, I moved into my current position as the RTI and Literacy Coordinator. While I have truly valued that experience, it also helped me recognize how much I missed the day to day connections with students and staff in a school setting. I began working toward my School Building and District Leadership certification through SUNY Oswego and graduated from that program in May 2025.

My goal has always been to be thoughtful about finding a leadership position that is the right fit. When the opportunity in Weedsport became available, it stood out as a place where I could bring together my experiences, values, and get back to working closely with students and teachers.

WCSD: What qualities have you found makes for a great principal during your time as a teacher, and how will you let that guide you in this new role?

NK: I love this question because it is something I have reflected on often while determining my leadership style. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with a number of principals and district leaders, and the ones who stand out most are those who truly know their students and staff and keep them at the center of every decision.

In my experience, effective principals build strong relationships with staff, students, families, and the community. They are approachable, dependable, they listen, and they lead by example. That kind of leadership builds trust, and trust is what allows a school community to grow and thrive.

As I step into this role, I plan to lead in that same way by being present, building relationships, and always keeping students at the heart of the work.

WCSD: What did you know about Weedsport before interviewing for this position?

NK: Before interviewing, I was familiar with Weedsport’s strong reputation as a high performing district with a close knit, supportive community. I knew it was a place where students are truly known and valued, where there is a strong sense of pride in both academics and extracurricular opportunities, and where the community takes great pride in its history and traditions.

As I learned more, I was especially impressed by the district’s clear commitment to collaboration, student growth, and supporting the whole child. It was evident that Weedsport is not only focused on achievement,but also on creating a positive and inclusive environment where students can thrive.

WCSD: What has been described to you as some of the bigger challenges facing the Elementary School, and how do you plan on taking those on?

In my conversations, I have heard less about challenges and more about opportunities to support the strong work already underway. Weedsport Elementary is doing excellent work in the areas of Professional Learning Communities, MTSS, and instruction.

With the implementation of a new ELA program this fall, there will be new learning for teachers, which I see as an exciting opportunity to grow together. I look forward to working alongside staff to learn the program and support effective implementation for both teachers and students. As the building moves into the next phase of PLC development and introduces a new behavior matrix, I see these as opportunities to build consistency, strengthen systems, and learn how I can better support staff and students.

I am excited to be part of this work and to support the initiatives already in place as we continue to move forward together!

WCSD: What are some things you have heard are strengths about the Elementary School that you’re excited to keep going?

NK: I have heard nothing but great things about the staff at Weedsport Elementary School. Their dedication to students, strong work ethic, and growth mindset have come through in every conversation I have had.Their work with Professional Learning Communities is a clear strength and plays an important role in supporting students both academically and socially.

I have also heard very positive things about the students, as well as the strong family and community involvement. That level of support and connection is a tremendous strength and speaks to the positive culture within the school. I am looking forward to learning even more about the many strengths of the school as I begin this role.

WCSD: What are some things you’d love the community to know about yourself as you head into next fall?

NK: I would love the community to know that I am truly excited and honored to be joining Weedsport Elementary School. Building strong relationships with students, staff, and families is at the heart of my work, and I believe that when those connections are strong, students are able to thrive. I am committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment where all members of the school community feel valued.

My approach to this role is centered on being present, approachable, and collaborative. I value working alongside teachers and families to support the whole child, both academically and socially, while continuing the strong traditions already in place.

I am really looking forward to becoming part of the Weedsport community and getting to know everyone in the months ahead.

WCSD: Anything you’d like to add?

NK: I am married and have two children. My son is currently a freshman at St. Bonaventure University, and my daughter is a sophomore in high school. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching my children on the baseball and softball fields.