The Peru Gazette

PLATTSBURGH, NY August 27, 2026 – Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) is proud to announce the appointment of Emily Blair as Principal at the Rise Center for Success. As Principal, Blair will lead and support Life Skills programming focused on helping students build the academic, social, and functional skills they need to achieve greater independence and success. She will work closely with Rise staff, students, families, and component school districts to strengthen opportunities and outcomes for every learner.

Blair brings more than 20 years of experience in education to the Rise leadership team, with a career dedicated to supporting students with diverse learning needs. Her experience as both a special education teacher and district-level administrator has provided her with a strong foundation in instructional leadership, student support services, special education programming, and collaboration with students, families, staff, and school communities.

Blair began her career as an Elementary Special Education Teacher at Northern Adirondack Central School before transitioning to a Secondary Special Education Teacher within the district. She later moved into district leadership, serving as the Director of Pupil Personnel Services, where she provided leadership for special education programs and oversaw a range of services designed to support student success.

She earned a master’s degree in special education from SUNY Plattsburgh and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Pupil Personnel Services from SUNY Plattsburgh at ACC.

“I am delighted to welcome Emily to our CVES Family of Professionals,” Dr. Mark Davey, CVES District Superintendent, said. “Her extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to students will be a tremendous complement to our outstanding Rise team. Emily knows our region well and understands the important work we do in partnership with our component districts and families. We are thrilled to have her at CVES as a new member of our Administrative Team and look forward to all she will bring to Rise.”

“I am truly excited and honored to join the Rise Center as the new Life Skills Principal,” Blair said. “Having worked alongside the dedicated Rise staff for many years, I have witnessed firsthand their commitment to students and excellence in education. I look forward to building on the school’s many successes and partnering with staff, families, and students to create meaningful opportunities for every learner.”

“Emily brings a tremendous combination of experience, compassion, and leadership to the Rise Center for Success,” Executive Director of Special Education, Dr. Matt Slattery said. “She understands the unique strengths and needs of the students we serve, and she has built her career around creating the conditions for students to be successful. Just as importantly, Emily understands that this work is rooted in strong relationships with students, families, staff, and our component school districts. We are excited to welcome her to the CVES leadership team and confident she will make a meaningful difference for our students and the entire Rise community.”

CVES welcomes Blair to the Rise Center for Success leadership team and looks forward to the experience, collaborative leadership, and commitment to students she brings to the role.