GLOVERSVILLE – The interim principal of Park Terrace Elementary School abruptly resigned last week, citing differences with the district superintendent.
Over spring break, interim Principal Kathy Dougherty notified Gloversville Enlarged School District Superintendent Michael Vanyo she wouldn’t return to her position, citing personal reasons, a news release from the district said.
“Mrs. Dougherty did an excellent job while she was with us these past four months,” said Vanyo in a prepared statement.
Dougherty said Monday she made the decision because of a “difference in administrative philosophy” between her and Vanyo.
“It became rather clear to me that our expectations for the principalship were not totally aligned,” Dougherty said. “Respectfully to him, it is not a matter of me expecting him to do things any differently. His style and my style just didn’t align in terms of what I thought as the proper role of the principal versus what he thought.”
She wouldn’t elaborate on any specific instance, but did say there were several incidents where the two disagreed.
“My principles are just different,” Dougherty said. “Not everyone is meant for every position and not everyone is meant to stay in every position. In terms of the school, I loved the school, I loved the teachers and I loved the kids. Being a principal is difficult work in today’s age but the parents and teachers of Park Terrace school were great.”
Dougherty has 35 years of experience in education. She retired as the superintendent of the Northville Central School in 2012.
The district has been involved in a search for a permanent principal since the retirement of Steve Pavone. Interviews for viable candidates are scheduled for the end of April, with recommendations for candidates being made to the board by May.
According to the news release, until a new principal is appointed, Mike DeMagistris, district athletic director, will share the responsibilities of building principal with Frank Pickus, the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum.
Board President Pete Semione said Tuesday the board was never given a specific reason for why?Dougherty was leaving.
Semione said he believes DeMagistris is more than capable of filling the role.
Vanyo and DeMagistris did not return phone calls seeking comment.
