Beekmantown CSD Names Dustin Relation as Superintendent of Schools

Beekmantown Central School District is proud to announce an experienced and enthusiastic educator as its next Superintendent of Schools.

Mr. Dustin Relation will begin his new role with the district on Monday, July 1, 2024. He’s passionate about being able to collaborate with the Board of Education, administrators, teachers, and students in the school district.  

“As I went through the interview process and did my research, I found that Beekmantown CSD works hard to ensure that every child is represented in their programming. During my district tour, this became even more evident,” Mr. Relation said. “I am beyond excited to work alongside such dedicated educators and to work with a Board that is focused on the kids.”

Mr. Relation is passionate about creating strong educational foundations for students. He grew up with a mom who worked in education, and he was inspired by her connections and relationships with students to follow in her footsteps.

“Relationships are key, and I want to work alongside everybody at Beekmantown. The best way to do the job is to be working alongside everybody, every day and not forgetting what it’s like to be in the classroom,” Mr. Relation said. “That’s one thing my mother says to me all the time, and I really do take that to heart because that’s where the magic happens on a daily basis.”

Mr. Relation, a lifelong resident of the North Country, graduated from Northern Adirondack Central School District before attending SUNY Plattsburgh, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in teaching. He was hired at Malone Central School District in 2009 as a Middle School Social Studies Teacher, and in 2013 he became the Social Studies Department Coordinator. After completing the School Leadership Program in 2017 at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Mr. Relation became the Malone Middle School Assistant Principal in 2017, and the Building’s Principal in 2019. In 2021, Mr. Relation became the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and has served in the role for the past three years.

Now, a new chapter in his career begins, but his purpose has remained the same.

“It’s truly that every single kid is our most important part of the job every single day,” Mr. Relation explained as his purpose. “They need to know that they have an adult who cares for them and loves them, even on those really tough days. It doesn’t matter what your role is in the district; it matters that you can connect with kids in a positive way and foster strong relationships because that’s how we move forward.”

His goals are to remain student-centered, gather stakeholder input, create measurable milestones, and maintain a shared commitment to mission, vision, and core beliefs.

Mr. Relation looks forward to collaborating and connecting with stakeholders during his time at Beekmantown.

“I enjoyed observing the Board's diligent and engaging selection process for the new superintendent,” Beekmantown Interim Superintendent Mr. Mark Bessen said. “I am looking forward to collaborating with Dustin Relation during the transition period as we work together for the smooth handover of responsibilities on July 1.”

The Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, to appoint Mr. Relation as the Beekmantown Superintendent of Schools and approve of his contract, which will go into effect on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027.

“The Board is excited to welcome Mr. Relation to our district. We look forward to his leadership of continuous improvement for our entire institution and a future of well-rounded achievement for all students,” Beekmantown Board President Mr. Ed Marin said.

The Beekmantown Board of Education is grateful for the collaboration and feedback from valued stakeholders within the district and community, as well as Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) BOCES and District Superintendent Dr. Mark Davey’s assistance in facilitating the superintendent search.