Board of Education President Linda Harrison today swore in Kathleen Skeals as the sixth superintendent of the North Colonie Central School District. Several current and past board members, along with district administrators, gathered together to mark the formal start of her superintendency.
Skeals shared her thoughts about her new role and why education has been her passion for more than three decades.
“The power of education is what can change a kid’s life. It is absolutely why we do the work. It can change the trajectory of one child’s life and of an entire family’s life, and that responsibility is so awesome,” she explained. “It is why we work so hard. It is why we come back day after day. We are supporting the next generation. It is the way we give back. We empower our learners and we serve our community.”
In August, the Board of Education unanimously appointed Skeals to the position. Skeals has been working in North Colonie since the start of her career, first as an English teacher and later as an English Department supervisor.
During her remarks she also reflected on when she first interviewed to become a teacher at North Colonie. “I remember saying my teachers made such a difference in my life and the only thing I want to do is commit to giving back.”
She has been part of the central office team as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction since 2010 and deputy superintendent since 2015.
“I don’t think there’s anyone who has gone into this position with more support. Thank you to everyone. I am so excited to have this opportunity and to have the opportunity to work with this team,” said Superintendent Skeals.
Hear what Superintendent Skeals had to say about this transition: