Zachary Abbe, Superintendent of Schools
Email: zabbe@watervillecsd.org
Phone: (315) 841-3816
Zachary Abbe brings more than two decades of experience in education to his role as Superintendent of Waterville Central School District – a place he’s proud to call home not only professionally, but personally. A 2001 graduate of Waterville Jr./Sr. High School, Abbe is an alumnus, former teacher, current resident, and parent, deeply rooted in the community he now serves.
Abbe’s journey in education began with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Secondary Education Certification from SUNY Geneseo, followed by a Master of Science in Adolescent Mathematics from SUNY Brockport. He later earned his School District Leader Certification through the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Leadership Academy. Abbe began his teaching career in 2006 at Brighton High School, where he taught Pre-Calculus and Algebra, and quickly discovered the transformative power of education—not just for students, but for educators themselves.
Driven by a belief that personal growth comes from embracing challenges, Abbe transitioned into educational leadership to expand his impact. Each role since has deepened his commitment to fostering environments where students and staff alike can thrive. His motivation is rooted in purpose: to positively influence lives and help shape the future of the district he proudly calls his own.
As Superintendent, Abbe’s initial focus is on listening—learning the programs, systems, and people that make Waterville unique. From there, he plans to collaborate with stakeholders to identify areas of growth and innovation. His educational philosophy aligns with Waterville’s mission and vision on the “whole-child” and “personalized success,” recognizing that while traditional models serve many, others benefit from tailored pathways that reflect their individual strengths and aspirations.
Outside of work, Abbe enjoys any activity that gets him outdoors. He also values spending quality time with his family, whether it’s exploring the outdoors together or simply enjoying the everyday moments at home. As a student, he was fully immersed in school life—taking advanced courses, joining athletic teams, participating in extracurriculars, and relishing the social connections that shaped his formative years.
For Abbe, leading Waterville isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. “The ability to help shape the future of the district and to serve the community in which I live was a huge draw for me,” he says. And in a place where the phrase “it takes a village” still rings true, Abbe is honored to be part of a community that supports every learner.