A longtime local educator was appointed as principal of Mariaville Elementary School by the Schalmont board of education last week.
Prior to last week’s appointment, Brian Hunt served three years as principal at Pinewood Elementary in the Mohonasen School District. He replaces Gene Gordon, who retired at the end of the school year with 17 years service.
Hunt taught social studies at Mohonasen, Duanesburg and Voorheesville for 13 years prior to that.
I enjoy the small school setting, and I’m looking forward to getting involved in the community, Hunt said. `Mariaville is a special place because I am going to be able to know every student and their family, and I think that’s just great.`
Hunt earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Brown University and went on to gain a master’s degree in social sciences from Wesleyan University. Hunt later earned his School District Administrator Certification from The College of Saint Rose.
Board members also appointed Joanne Van Genderen as director of pupil personnel services. Van Genderen has worked in the district for 19 years, serving as speech language pathologist, CSE and CPSE chair.
`I am glad to have the opportunity to collaborate with parents, teachers, and administrators to help our students meet the complex challenges they face on a daily basis,` Van Genderan said.
Van Genderen earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and a master’s degree from The College of Saint Rose. She also received her school district administrator certification from St. Rose.
`We are very lucky to have these two ex-tremely talented administrators on board,` Schalmont Superintendent of Schools Valerie Kelsey said. `They have both shown a history of dedication to their profession that promises that they will do great things for Schalmont and our students.`
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