New Roots Charter School Welcomes New Associate Principal Delmer Padgett, III
Embarking on their 18th year, New Roots Charter School is welcoming a growing middle school cohort, an expanded Career and Technical Education team, and a new Associate Principal, Delmer Padgett III.
A native of Candor and Ithaca College alum, Padgett comes to New Roots with over two decades of experience as an educator and school leader. His primary responsibility at New Roots will be supporting the school’s academic program.
“Padgett is the perfect fit for New Roots Charter School, from his philosophical alignment and student-centered leadership to his love of music and a background in career and technical education. I am thrilled that he is joining our growing school community,” said Tina Nilsen-Hodges, who has served as the principal and superintendent of New Roots since its inception in 2009.
New Roots Charter School, a public secondary school serving grades 6-12, offers a rigorous academic program with an emphasis on career exploration and development. New Roots students graduate with college credits and acceptance as well as a resume qualifying them for entry-level employment in the region’s growing green economy.
Padgett holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music from Ithaca College, and began his career teaching and leading in schools throughout Maryland and the greater DC area before returning to the Ithaca area. Serving as an Academy Head, Assistant Principal, and Principal, he 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.
Padgett says he 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.
Padgett most recently served as a Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and brings his expertise to the development of EarthForce, the New Roots CTE program, an initiative supported by an expansion grant awarded to New Roots in 2026 from the New York State Department of Education’s Charter Schools Program. New Roots also welcomed two new faculty members to its growing EarthForce team in 2026-27, a certified technology teacher, and a curriculum specialist with experience integrating English and CTE curriculum. The New Roots EarthForce team will focus on developing more mission-aligned career awareness, exploration, and preparation opportunities for its students in the coming years.
“I am beyond thrilled to be joining the New Roots family!” Padgett wrote in his recent letter to New Roots families. “From my very first interactions with the school, I’ve been deeply inspired by your commitment to sustainability, social equity, and empowering young people to think critically, act courageously, and lead with purpose.”
A proud member of the greater Ithaca community, and one of the reasons he moved back to the region, Padgett 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.
“I couldn’t be more excited to bring my experience back to my hometown roots and work alongside such a passionate group of educators, staff, and families.”
Read more about the wonderful faculty and staff that make up our New Roots community at newrootsschool.org/faculty-staff
At the time of this press release, New Roots is enrolling on a rolling basis for both middle and high school.
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New Roots Charter School is a free public school serving students in 6th -12th grades. The school is open to all NYS residents. Now in its 18th year, New Roots provides small classes, real-world academics, and an inclusive environment designed to support student wellbeing. For more information, contact Katie Church, Director of Community Engagement at New Roots Charter School, at communityengagement@newrootsschool.org