OXFORD ­– Oxford Academy Central School District welcomes a new superintendent as students get ready to go back to school next week. David S. Richards, Ph.D., reported to work on July 1 and has been preparing for his new role as chief administrator.

For the past five years, Richards, 57, has served the Deposit community as both the high school and middle school principal, as well as the director of secondary instruction, setting the curriculum and overseeing professional development. “It was a great experience, and I do miss the people,” he said in regard to his time in Deposit.

Richards has also taught in Sidney and served as a principal in Livingston Manor. On top of working as a teacher and administrator, he has served as an adjunct lecturer for SUNY Oneonta’s history department, where his wife, Julie Freemen, Ph.D., is currently a history professor. Richards recently received his doctorate in history from Binghamton University after publishing his dissertation on the belated effects of the New Deal upon the Sidney region during World War II. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degree from SUNY Oneonta and has attained a certificate of advanced study in administration.