The East Greenbush Central School District appointed Riley O’Malley as the next principal of Green Meadow Elementary School and James Derby as the next principal of Red Mill Elementary School, following a vote by the Board of Education on Wednesday evening.

Both Mr. O’Malley and Mr. Derby are experienced school administrators who began their careers as classroom teachers. They will start their new positions on July 1, 2026, succeeding Daniel Garab and Helen Squillace who are both retiring at the end of the school year.

Mr. O’Malley and Mr. Derby were recommended for the positions by Superintendent Dr. Kurtis Kotes after separate committees – represented by teachers and staff from those respective schools, other building principals and district administrators – interviewed the candidates.

“Our interview process helped us to find the best candidates to continue the excellent work that happens educating the young people of both the Green Meadow and Red Mill school communities,” Dr. Kotes said. “I have great confidence that Mr. O’Malley and Mr. Derby will bring a high level of commitment, passion and care to the important work they do every day. I am excited to welcome them to their new roles in the district.”

Meet Riley O’Malley
Mr. O’Malley is a familiar face in the district, having served as an assistant principal at Goff Middle School since August 2023. He also has administrative experience at HFM BOCES and began his career as a Social Studies Teacher in Lansingburgh.

As an assistant principal at Goff, Mr. O’Malley has been integral to daily operations, overseeing 7th grade, serving as the building safety coordinator, developing the master schedule, and managing the rollout of digital systems like Securly Pass, the school’s digital hallpass system. He facilitates team, grade-level and parent meetings and he is a presence at arrival and dismissal on a daily basis.

Mr. O’Malley has worked collaboratively with the Goff administrators, teachers and staff to improve school culture and academic performance, contributing to Goff’s recognition in the U.S. News & World Report Best School Rankings each of the past three years.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as Green Meadow’s next principal and to support the incredible work already happening here,” said Mr. O’Malley. “I know I have big shoes to fill following Mr. Garab, and I’m thankful for the strong foundation he has helped build with the incredible students, staff and community.”

Mr. O’Malley has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and a certificate in administration from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Meet James Derby
Mr. Derby brings more than 20 years of educational experience to Red Mill. He has served as the principal of Castleton Elementary School in the neighboring Schodack Central School District since 2016. He also has experience as an assistant principal, athletic director, and classroom teacher.

As principal of Castleton, Mr. Derby fosters continuous school improvement through collaboration, communication, and data-driven leadership. He has improved student achievement in ELA and Math by working with teachers to evaluate assessment data and then strengthen instruction. He has also supported inclusivity and equity by integrating interventions for self-contained special education classes.

Mr. Derby has embraced innovation by launching new programs including an Innovative Learning Lab that created a dedicated K-6 STEM room and a restorative student discipline system focused on preventative support and long-term behavioral growth.

“I am truly honored to join the East Greenbush Central School District as the next principal of Red Mill Elementary School,” said Mr. Derby. “Red Mill has a wonderful reputation for its caring staff and strong sense of community – I’m excited to become part of it. I’m looking forward to meeting our students, connecting with families, and working alongside the faculty and staff to continue making Red Mill a place where children feel supported, challenged, and happy to come to school each day.”

Mr. Derby has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from The College of Saint Rose and a certificate in administration from The College of Saint Rose.

Congratulations to Mr. O’Malley and Mr. Derby!