An esteemed educator with more than 30 years of experience in public education, Superintendent Tonia Thompson has dedicated nearly her entire career to serving the students of the Binghamton City School District.
Dr. Thompson became interim superintendent in July 2016, and was officially named superintendent in 2017. Dr. Thompson served in various administrative roles while working her way up to superintendent, including Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability, Director of Planning and Evaluation, Director of Special Programs for Achievement and Accountability, Director of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and Director of Primary Education, Grades Pre-K through Second.
Dr. Thompson chaired the district-wide Professional Development Committee, Curriculum Council, District Data Team, District Policy Committee, and co-chairs the District Annual Professional Performance Review and Instructional Technology Committee.
Dr. Thompson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in biology with a minor in chemistry and concentration in human services, followed by a Master of Arts in Teaching Science from Binghamton University. She began her career in education in 1987 as a high school science teacher, later moving to West Middle School to teach physical science. An opportunity to bring her passion for science teaching to the elementary level occurred when she took a position as a challenge teacher and teacher resource for elementary science.
During her tenure, she was recognized as New York State Teacher of the Year by the Association for Gifted and Talented, National Presidential Award Winner in Elementary Science, Math, and Science and Technology Teacher of the Year – Roberson Museum. After receiving the national Albert Einstein Distinguished Teaching Fellowship award, she served as a fellow at the National Science Foundation in Arlington, Virginia.
Interested in furthering her education, Dr. Thompson returned to New York State as a graduate student at Syracuse University in pursuit of a Certificate in Educational Leadership. She was recognized for her work as an Administrative Intern with Skaneateles School District by receiving the Lansing G. Baker Award for Outstanding Educational Leadership Intern and continued there as a building leader and curriculum administrator. She additionally earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Syracuse University, where she studied the impact of parent education on families and children.
Dr. Thompson’s tenure in the district has given her unique and invaluable insight into the needs of Binghamton students, families and the community. Today, as the superintendent of the Binghamton City School District, Dr. Thompson takes a student-centered leadership approach. She’s a tireless advocate for the students of the Binghamton City School District, working to ensure they achieve the best possible educational outcomes. She strongly believes in the foundational power of strong student-educator relationships and is honored to be working with an incredibly talented and dedicated faculty and staff. Dr. Thompson is proud to lead and work in such an enriched environment, and she is dedicated to continuing to advance the Binghamton City School District’s mission of educating, empowering and challenging its students.