Andrea Kersten brings a deep passion for education, a strong commitment to community, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child to her role as Superintendent of the Akron Central School District. With a career that began in 1997 as a K-12 art teacher, Mrs. Kersten has spent over two decades championing students, meeting them where they are, and helping them grow

Encouraged early on to pursue educational leadership, she transitioned into curriculum and instruction and later served as Principal of Cleveland Hill Middle School. There, she was most proud of the strong relationships built and the school’s notable rise in the Business First rankings—from 101 to 28 in just three years.

In 2021, Mrs. Kersten was hired as Akron's Director of Curriculum and Instruction. In July 2023, she was appointed Interim Superintendent of Akron, and officially named Superintendent seven months later. In that time, she has remained deeply focused on the mission of the district and all that it means to be #OneAkron—a united, student-centered learning community rooted in care, connection, and academic excellence. She is tremendously proud of the growth of Akron students and remains inspired by their talents, resilience, and dreams.

Mrs. Kersten is an active member of the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS) and the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents Association (ENSSA) and serves as a consultant for the Effective Leadership program. Mrs. Kersten is an active member of the Erie County School Board Association's Legislative Team. She is also an engaged member of the Akron community, including the Akron-Newstead Rotary.  Mrs. Kersten also serves on the board of a local nonprofit that supports children and families navigating pediatric cancer treatment.

Her leadership is shaped not only by her professional experience but also by her personal journey. After the loss of her first husband in 2015, she was reminded how deeply personal every student’s story is. She believes in embracing each child with compassion, understanding their unique challenges, and championing their dreams—values that remain at the heart of her leadership.

Now remarried, Mrs. Kersten is a proud mom to four children, including triplets, and stepmom to two daughters. She’s also a devoted dog mom to an English and a French bulldog. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Mrs. Kersten considers it an honor to serve the students, families, and staff of Akron. For her, leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about heart, and the unwavering belief that together, we are #OneAkron.