The Lockport City School District Board of Education approved the hiring of Mr. Robert McDow as the district’s new Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Management. Mr. McDow will succeed Ms. Deborah Coder, who recently announced her retirement after 17 years of dedicated service to the district.
Mr. McDow brings over two decades of experience in finance and operations, currently serving as Assistant Superintendent of School Finance & Operations for Frontier Central School District. His career includes leadership roles such as Vice President for Business & Finance at Medaille College, Director of Administration and Finance for the City of Buffalo, and Assistant Superintendent of School Business & Finance at Grand Island Central School District. He also held finance and administrative positions with Sweet Home Central School District and the Buffalo Board of Education, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to financial stewardship in education and public service.
He holds advanced degrees, including a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Supervision from Canisius College and a MBA with a focus in Professional Accounting from Canisius College, along with a MBA in Finance. Mr. McDow is also a certified School District Administrator and School Business Administrator in New York State.
Dr. Mathis Calvin III, Superintendent of Lockport City School District, expressed his excitement about Mr. McDow’s appointment, noting the wealth of experience he brings to the position. “We are thrilled to welcome Robert McDow to our leadership team,” said Dr. Calvin. “His extensive experience in school finance, operations, and strategic planning will provide the stability our district needs as we transition from Ms. Coder’s remarkable tenure. Robert’s leadership will be instrumental in continuing our district’s progress while ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. We are excited for the future as we continue to strengthen the academic and operational foundations of our district.”
Mr. McDow will join the Lockport City School District in February 2025. Ms. Coder will serve as interim Assistant Superintendent until then and provide consultation support as needed after his arrival.
