Mr. Christopher Clapper
Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Clapper has more than 20 years of experience in public education and has held leadership roles for the past 11 years. Beginning his teaching career as a high school social studies teacher, he went on to serve as the elementary school principal in the Southern Cayuga Central School District’s Emily Howland Elementary School, and then to Alexandria Central School District where he served as Superintendent of Schools from 2017-2024.
Mr. Clapper is known for his transformational leadership at Alexandria, believing in the power of consistent and thoughtful engagement with all school stakeholders as well as the local community. He leads by example and believes that the focus of all school initiatives should be directly related to student success.
Mr. Clapper holds a master’s degree from the University of Maryland in Business Administration, and a dual bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Studies and Economics from SUNY Cortland. He also received his Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY Cortland.
Mr. Joshua Santarcangelo
Jr/Sr High School Principal
Mr. Santarcangelo has been a leader in education serving in a variety of administrative and teacher roles. He most recently held the position of Dean of Students at Theodore Herberg Middle School in Pittsfield, MA. Prior to this role he was a high school social studies teacher for 16 years, with 11 of those years serving as department chair.
Mr. Santarcangelo feels a positive school culture that connects teachers, staff and the community is crucial to student success. As an administrator, he strongly believes in being active and involved in the school community and hopes to build trusting and beneficial relationships at Mayfield.
Mr. Santarcangelo holds a master’s degree in Secondary Education – Social Studies Grades 7-12 and a bachelor’s degree with a major in History and minor in Psychology from SUNY Albany. He received his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from The College of St. Rose. When not at school he loves to spend time with his two daughters, Kinley and Mila, and his dog, Harry. He lives an active lifestyle and loves to hike the Adirondacks.
Ms. Melanie O’Neill
Jr/Sr High School Assistant Principal
Ms. O’Neill has held numerous leadership positions in her 14 years in education including Education Technology Specialist and Chief Information Officer, Instructional Technology Integration Specialist and Elementary STEM Department Coordinator. Prior to these roles she was an elementary school teacher.
Ms. O’Neill believes all students can learn and reach their full potential. She is eager to help Mayfield school elevate its educational opportunities by leading with the students’ best interests at heart and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders.
Ms. O’Neill holds a bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education 1-6 from SUNY Oneonta and a master’s degree in Literacy Education B-6 from Russell Sage College. She received her School Building Leader and School District Leader advanced certifications from The College of St. Rose. Ms. O’Neill grew up spending her summers at the Great Sacandaga Lake and enjoys kayaking, swimming and being outdoors in nature. She loves reading, cooking and spending time with my family.
Mr. John Pierce
Elementary Principal
Mr. Pierce comes to us from Pulaski, Virginia where he served as Remediation Coordinator and Assistant Principal. Prior to his administrative positions, he taught first grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade for over 11 years.
Mr. Pierce is a lifelong learner who encourages students and staff to take chances and pursue success each and every day. He aspires to always continue to learn and grow professionally and is currently working on a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership through Radford University.
Mr. Pierce has earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia; a master’s degree in Literacy Education, a master’s degree in Childhood Education, and a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies, all from SUNY Oswego. He is an upstate New York native and is glad to return to join the Mayfield Central School District community. Mr. Pierce is a superhero/comic book enthusiast and dedicated ice hockey fan.
Ms. Teri Lowe
Elementary Dean of Students
Ms. Lowe brings over 25 years of experience in various educational roles, most recently serving as Co-Teacher and Interventionist at Alexandria Central School. Prior to this role she has held numerous positions at Alexandria including Athletic Coordinator, Rti Coordinator, 3rd-6th Grade Interventionist and Kindergarten teacher.
Ms. Lowe is passionate about creating a safe, positive and welcoming learning environment where all students can thrive and grow personally, socially and academically.
Ms. Lowe has earned master’s degree in Childhood Education from the State University College at Potsdam, bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an Education minor from The College of New Rochelle and an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts with a Philosophy minor from Rockland Community College. She holds New York State teaching certificates in Gifted Education K-12, Special Education K-12 and General Education N-6. Ms. Lowe has coached soccer and softball at the modified, JV and Varsity levels and is a dedicated fan of the United States Women’s Soccer Team.