Spring Recess

All schools will be closed for Spring Recess starting Thursday, March 28 through Monday, April 8. The first day back from break is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9. Have a safe and enjoyable break!

Select Page
Molly McGrath

Molly McGrath started as the new director of Pupil Personnel Services at East Greenbush Central School District on July 15.

Molly McGrath joined the East Greenbush Central School District on July 15 as the director of Pupil Personnel Services. In that role, she will oversee special education in all of the district’s schools, as well as registration, health services, counseling, guidance and social work.

We sat down with Ms. McGrath last week to discuss her educational background and her new role and responsibilities.

Q: How is the job going so far?
A: It’s been great. I am so excited to be here and everyone has been so warm and welcoming.

Q: What made this position a good fit for you?
I have a deep passion for special education. From a young age I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and make a difference in students’ lives. As my career progressed, I decided I wanted to impact students on a larger scale. My goal was to become a Director of Pupil Personnel service so I could continue to do what I love most – support students and families. East Greenbush is a wonderful school district, a great school community, and exudes academic excellence. I am thrilled to be afforded the opportunity to join the team!

Q: What are some of your duties as Director of PPS?
A: I will be working with families, teachers, related service providers and administrators to ensure high quality special education programming is designed to meet all students’ individual needs. The office of Pupil Personnel Services also oversees registration, and the district’s health, counseling, guidance and social work programs.

Q: How do you balance all of those responsibilities?
A: The individual student and family always come first. And then you develop your systems to ensure their needs are met and the office is equipped to manage all of those functions. It takes a high degree of collaboration with all of the buildings, administrators, teachers and staff.

Q: How has your teaching career and your administrative experience prepared you for this position?
A: I started my career as a teaching assistant, and then became a special education teacher at the Watervliet City School District, where I taught for seven years. Upon completing my degree in school leadership I took a position in the Schenectady City School District as the Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel Services where I worked with a very strong team of professionals. My experience has allowed me to learn the critical functions of the committee on special education preK-12, as well as the many different responsibilities of the office of Pupil Personnel Service. I have gained valuable experience in supporting the whole child to ensure students’ academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs are met.

Q: What are you most looking forward to this year?
A: I am most looking forward to building relationships with all stakeholders across the district. I want to get to know everyone’s strengths and how I can best support them. I am excited to work collaboratively with building leaders, teachers, related service providers, and all school staff to ensure students and families have a safe and positive school environment where high quality teaching and learning can occur!

Parents can meet Ms. McGrath at the Parent Support for Students with Disabilities meeting on Monday, September 23 at 7 p.m. in the Board Conference Room in Central Administration, 29 Englewood Ave., East Greenbush, NY 12061.