Wilder joined the district in April, bringing more than two decades of educational leadership and instructional experience, along with a strong commitment to student achievement, staff development, and school community engagement. He most recently served as principal of Crispell Middle School in the Pine Bush Central School District and previously held principal positions at Monticello High School and within New York City’s District 79.

Throughout his career, Wilder has served students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, including work in special education settings. His leadership has focused on strengthening curriculum and instruction, improving student outcomes, and fostering collaborative school cultures grounded in high expectations and continuous improvement.

During his tenure as a high school principal, the school’s graduation rate increased from 69 percent to 90 percent. At the middle school level, he led initiatives that significantly improved student proficiency rates, with the school seeing the highest proficiency rates in 5 of 7 NYS exams, through focused attention to curriculum, instruction, and data-informed decision-making.

Wilder holds a Master of Science in Teaching from Pace University, a School Building Leader certification from Baruch College, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz. Prior to entering education, Wilder served in the United States Marine Corps infantry from 1997 to 2004, including service in Iraq.

In his role with Saugerties, Wilder oversees the District’s human resources operations, including recruitment and hiring, employee relations, personnel records and benefits management, while also supporting instructional leadership initiatives across the District.

“Mr. Wilder’s extensive leadership experience, commitment to student success, and ability to build strong relationships make him an outstanding addition to our District leadership team,” said Superintendent Dr. Gwendolyn Roraback. “We are excited to have him as part of the Saugerties school community.”

Since joining the district, Wilder said he has been impressed by the sense of community present in each building and the emphasis placed on amplifying student voices and empowering staff members to share their ideas and contributions.

“My goal is to inspire, equip and empower others to be the best versions of themselves,” Wilder said. “When we are all giving our best, great things happen, and ultimately we all get better together.”

As he begins his first year in Saugerties, Wilder said he is looking forward to learning more about what makes the District unique while supporting the effective implementation of human resource initiatives and celebrating the many ways students and staff contribute to the district’s four pillars.

“I believe we can accomplish the unbelievable and that our potential is limitless,” Wilder said. “I look forward to seeing, celebrating, and sharing the great things happening throughout the Saugerties Central School District.”