ABOUT DELMER PADGETT III
Associate Principal
Delmer Padgett joins New Roots Charter School as Associate Principal, bringing over two decades of experience as an educator and school leader. He holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music from Ithaca College, along with a School Building Leader certification, and began his career teaching and leading in schools throughout Maryland and the greater DMV region before returning home to Ithaca. Along the way, he has served as an Academy Head, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director of Career and Technical Education, and has championed restorative practices and mindfulness programming to build safe, joyful school cultures. Through it all, his guiding belief has stayed the same: every student has a unique genius, and it’s the responsibility of educators to build the systems and culture that let that genius emerge.
Delmer was drawn to New Roots by its commitment to sustainability, social equity, and preparing students to be citizens and entrepreneurs in their own community. He is especially energized by the school’s project-based, real-world approach to learning, and is looking forward to partnering with New Roots’ students, families, and faculty to build on that mission.
A proud member of the greater Ithaca community, and one of the reasons he moved back to the region, Delmer treasures time spent close to family. Outside of school, he loves returning to music, accompanying groups whenever the opportunity arises, and spending time outdoors, whether gardening or tending to his antique vehicles.