jgiordano@rsmercury.com | | ODY’s new superintendent, Virginia Keegan, paused last Wednesday morning for a brief break from settling into her new role. (Photo by Janine Giordano) | |
VAN HORNESVILLE – After six months of searching through the services of a professional educational consulting firm, the Owen D. Young School District has found a new superintendent. Although officially Virginia A. Keegan began on July 1, the class of 2008 graduation, held June 29, was top priority for the district’s first female superintendent. “The graduation was so unique,” Keegan said. “Everyone is so warm and friendly. The kids seem very excited to be here. It’s so heart warming.” Stating that she was also very impressed with the board of education’s “support of the development of the whole child,” Keegan noted that, “They go the extra mile to make sure the children’s needs are met. It’s wonderful to work for them.” Keegan’s educational background is extensive and expansive, with experience as a teacher and administrator. She left her most recent position as K-12 principal of four years with the Gilboa-Conesville Central School District to serve as superintendent of ODY. In addition to serving as principal with her previous school district, Keegan said that upon the death of the superintendent, she served as interim superintendent. Previously, she taught for more than two decades in both private and public schools. She also worked with BOCES for 11 years, developing a computer office technology program for continuing education. Originally from Long Island, Keegan graduated from SUNY Albany, with her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees. In between her education and teaching career, Keegan took time out to raise two daughters, Melissa, who will be graduating from SUNY Albany in December, and Meghan, who is a SUNY Buffalo graduate. There are two goals she wishes to accomplish at least within a two-year period. “A year from now, I would like to see a core reading program,” she said. An online education for seniors preparing to leave for college is also an area Keegan would like to see supported. “They need to know this when going on to college,” she said. Along with a lifetime of experience, Keegan said she brings with her an ability to listen and her ability to be a team player. “I very much like to work with the staff and teams in collaborative efforts for the children and public,” she said. As superintendent at ODY, Keegan hopes to use her experiences as principal, superintendent and teacher. The size of the district is something she is at ease with and feels confident she will be successful in serving as “a hands on administrator. I came from a small school. Gilboa graduated 31 kids. It was absolutely lovely working there.” Smaller school districts “give everyone the opportunity to shine,” she added.
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