Meet the Candidates for Homer Central Schools Superintendent

Dear Parents and Community Members,

We are excited to announce Meet the Candidate Sessions for the three finalists for the Homer Central Schools Superintendency. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from each candidate as they respond to two questions posed by the Board of Education. Please note that there will be no time allotted for public questions during these sessions.

Session Details:

• Dates: March 31, April 1, and April 3

• Time: 4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

• Location: Homer High School Auditorium

Meet the Finalists:

• Jeff Evener (March 31)

• Jonna Ball (April 1)

• Chris DiFulvio (April 3)

Candidate bios are available below for your review. We encourage you to attend these sessions and learn more about each finalist. Your presence and engagement are vital as we move forward in selecting the next leader for our schools.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,
 Homer Central Schools Board of Education

Jeffrey Evener

Jeff currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the Homer Central School District, a role he has held for the past three and a half years. Prior to joining Homer, he spent six years as the Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Operations for the Auburn Enlarged City School District. His extensive background in educational leadership includes experience in the Auburn Enlarged City School District, Groton Central School District, and Lansing Central School District.

Throughout his 23-year career in public education, Jeff has held various positions, including Teacher, Director of Curriculum, Director of Athletics, and Principal at both the middle and high school levels. He brings a wealth of expertise in leadership, communication, curriculum, instruction, assessment, personnel management, labor relations, operations, capital projects, and school finance. His comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience make him a well-rounded and effective leader. In addition to his administrative roles, Jeff serves as an adjunct professor at LeMoyne College, where he teaches labor relations to aspiring school administrators.

Jeff was born and raised in Summerhill, NY, and is a graduate of Groton Central School District. He earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Certificate of Advanced Study from SUNY Cortland. A lifelong resident of the greater Cortland area, he has deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to public service. Jeff has demonstrated his dedication to his community by serving as the Mayor of the Village of Groton for six years, as well as completing three terms as a Village Trustee. His passion for education and leadership is second to his family—his wife, Beth, is a school counselor at Homer High School, and together they are proud parents of Baylor (9), a student at Homer Intermediate, Carter (7), a student at Homer Elementary, and Emma (3).

Jonna Ball

Jonna Ball is an experienced and visionary leader, driven by a passion for educational equity and excellence. As a candidate for Superintendent of Schools for the Homer Central School District, Jonna brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments, and a strong track record of successfully leading school systems toward academic achievement and community empowerment. With over 18 years in education, Jonna has earned a reputation for being a collaborative and results-driven leader who consistently strives to create opportunities for all students to thrive.

Jonna’s educational journey began as a classroom teacher, where she honed her skills in developing engaging lessons, managing diverse classrooms, and fostering positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Her ability to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds, as well as her dedication to understanding the unique needs of each individual learner, quickly earned her respect in the education community. As her career progressed, Jonna transitioned into leadership roles, taking on responsibilities such as school leader at both the elementary and middle levels, and district-level administrator specializing in special education and grant development. In each of these positions, she was able to implement innovative programs and initiatives that improved student performance and addressed systemic challenges within the education system.

As an advocate for inclusive and equitable education, Jonna has worked tirelessly to ensure that every student, regardless of their background or circumstance, has access to high-quality education. She believes that education should not only be about academic achievement but also about preparing students to be active, responsible, and empathetic citizens. Throughout her career, Jonna has championed initiatives that focus on social-emotional learning, mental health support, and creating safe and inclusive environments where all students feel seen, heard, and valued.

In her leadership roles, Jonna has consistently demonstrated her ability to build strong partnerships with teachers, parents, community organizations, and local stakeholders to improve the educational landscape. She understands the importance of transparency, communication, and accountability in leadership and is committed to fostering a culture of trust and collaboration within the school district. Jonna's leadership style is centered on empowering others, cultivating talent within the organization, and ensuring that all voices are heard when it comes to making decisions that impact students' futures.

Jonna is also deeply committed to professional development, both for educators and for herself. She has earned numerous certifications, advanced degrees, and leadership awards throughout her career, demonstrating her dedication to staying at the forefront of educational research and best practices. She believes that great leaders are lifelong learners and is always seeking new ways to improve her leadership capabilities and serve her community better.

As a candidate for Superintendent of Schools, Jonna Ball brings a visionary yet practical approach to leading school systems toward greater success. Her emphasis on equity, community engagement, and academic excellence, paired with her extensive experience and proven leadership abilities, make her an ideal candidate for the role of Superintendent of Schools for the Homer Central School District. With a clear vision for the future of education, Jonna is ready to lead schools toward a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

Chris DiFulvio

Chris DiFulvio is thankful for the opportunity to be considered for the superintendent role in the Homer Central School District. After graduating from SUNY Oneonta, Chris taught in Arizona and Virginia before returning to his home of Central New York and raising his family in Homer. Having taught, served in various Homer community service organizations, and coached in Homer, the district and community have always meant a lot to him. With his father, daughter, and two grandchildren living in Preble, the chance to return feels even more special. For Chris, this is about an opportunity to serve the community and school he loves while being closer to family.

Chris worked as an instructional coach, principal, director and assistant superintendent prior to taking the position as superintendent of schools in Cazenovia. In his current role, Chris has worked alongside an incredible team of educators, staff, and community partners to strengthen student learning, expand access to services, and deepen school-community connections. Together, they implemented a vertically aligned PreK through grade 12 curriculum and adopted the Science of Reading at the elementary level, contributing to students earning the top ELA Regents scores in the region. Cazenovia High School was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the top-ranked high school in the Syracuse metro area and among the top 100 in New York State. On the 2024 AP exams, 77 percent of students scored a 3 or higher, outperforming state and global averages in 10 out of 12 exams. Leveraging his relationships with lawmakers, Chris secured over $375,000 in targeted grants that funded the addition of a kindergarten teacher, resurfacing of the tennis courts, and key facilities upgrades, helping to ease the burden on local taxpayers. The district also expanded access to early education with grant-funded UPK, opening three full-day classrooms. Mental health and school resource officer services were increased through grant partnerships with Madison County. Believing strongly in the power of community, Chris established several community-based committees including Safety, Communication, and Facilities that continue to guide district planning with broad input. Chris implemented Participatory Budgeting in Cazenovia, involving more than 200 stakeholders in last year’s budget process. This approach reflects Chris's commitment to transparency and trust. He is especially proud of the team effort that resulted in a successful capital project and the creation of one of the region’s top athletic complexes.

If selected to lead the Homer district, Chris plans to work closely with others, stay open in his communication, and always keep students at the center of his decisions. He values public schools' role in shaping lives and believes strong communities grow stronger when they stand behind their schools. His focus will be on listening to stakeholders while meeting the needs of all students and helping the district move forward while honoring and maintaining what makes it special. Finally, Chris is excited about the possibility of leading Homer Central School District forward and returning to the community he values.