Cairo-Durham High School principal, Paula T. McKeown Tue., July 21, announced she will step down from her position, effective August 31. McKeown notified the school community by email; stating the decision was a personal one and "has no bearing on the incredibly positive experience I had at CDHS during this past year." She went on to say, "During these unprecedented times, I have found it necessary to be closer to my family in downstate New York as we all continue to navigate through the challenges we face every day." McKeown thanked everyone for their support while negotiating a difficult few months and an abbreviated in-person school year. "The pinnacle of that effort was not only the successful completion of the school year, but the wonderful graduation ceremony the Class of 2020 experienced with the dignity and celebration they deserved, achieved in no small part with the support of parents, teachers, staff and administrators," she wrote. McKeown assumed her duties at the high school one year ago, in July 2019, after a 22-year career as an educator in New York City. She served as a high school English and computer literacy teacher, high school principal, and college professor, as well as an advanced placement coordinator and program liaison for St. John’s University. The search for a candidate to fill the Cairo-Durham High School principal position is underway and will continue in the coming weeks.