BETHLEHEM – On Wednesday, at its June 15 meeting, the Bethlehem Central Board of Education plans to appoint David Hurst as the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Educational Programs. They will also assign interim school leaders for the 2016-17 school year at the district’s middle school and high school, per a message from Superintendent Jody Monroe.
Hurst, who has been serving as Interim Assistant Superintendent for Educational Programs since September 2015, had previously been the district’s math supervisor for five years. Prior to Bethlehem, Hurst worked in the East Greenbush and Niskayuna Central School Districts, where he taught math in grades 6 – 12 for more than 20 years. He holds a master’s degree from Union College, a certificate in administration from UAlbany and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh.
“We are fortunate to have someone in Dave Hurst who is not only highly qualified to direct our instructional program, but is already well-versed in the day-to-day operations of the school district,” said Board of Education President Matt Downey. “We look forward his continued leadership on behalf of our students and staff.”
Michael Klugman, who was appointed interim high school principal last month when Principal Scott Landry was placed on administrative leave in May, will continue to serve as interim principal of the high school into the 2016-17 school year. His appointment is effective July 1, and will continue through June 30, 2017. Klugman, who has served as principal of Bethlehem Central Middle School since 2011, became principal after serving for four years as the district’s science and technology supervisor. Prior to Bethlehem, he worked at Mohonasen as that district’s K – 12 science supervisor, and taught science in the Albany City Schools. He has a master’s degree from UAlbany and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester.
David Doemel, Jr. will be appointed interim principal of the middle school for the 2016-17 school year, effective July 1. Doemel currently serves as a hall principal at the high school and has served as a high school administrator in Bethlehem since 2013. He has also worked as a school counselor in the East Greenbush Central School District and began his career in education teaching English and Global Studies at Christian Brothers Academy. Doemel has a master’s degree from Sage Graduate School and a bachelor’s from St. Bonaventure University and received his Educational Leadership Certificate from The College of Saint Rose.
Mark Warford has served as interim principal at the middle school since May and will resume his role as the school’s assistant principal; Ken Rizzo will return to his role as hall principal, after filling the temporary vacancy created when Warford changed roles.
“With these pending appointments, we feel strongly that we are providing able leadership and continuity for students and staff that will serve everyone well in the next school year,” said Board of Education President Matt Downey.
As a result of accusations made by the outgoing high school principal, Landry, the district has come under recent scrutiny for its Lab School program, which has been unable to produce its charter, as well as financial paperwork and audit results. Efforts on the part of Spotlight to reach out to district officials have, thus far, been largely rebuffed.
– Ali Hibbs