The Queensbury Board of Education appointed Robyn Scotland as the district’s new Assistant Director of Student Support Services during its regular meeting on Monday, June 10. Scotland is currently Queensbury Middle School’s Assistant Principal, a role she will remain in until July 1. She will work alongside Kristine Bennett-Barnes, the district’s new Director of Student Support Services.
As the assistant director, Scotland will take over the role currently held by Carolyn Manzella, who has accepted a position in the Stillwater Central School District. Among her many duties, Scotland will provide instructional leadership to all staff; align special education instructional practices with the NYS Next Generation Learning Standards; oversee the District CSE and CPSE activities, and ensure continued improvement and educational development for all students.
“I am extremely honored to have this opportunity to serve the district in a new capacity,” said Scotland. “I look forward to working with our students, families and staff every day. In my new position, I will strive to have a wider impact on increasing student achievement for our struggling learners, ensure that we will meet the needs of all students, and continue to build solid relationships. I am excited to bring my experiences and energy to this position and I am grateful to be a part of the Queensbury Union Free School District.”
During the past year as the middle school’s assistant principal, Scotland facilitated a newly initiated Character Education Team, focused on improving school culture and climate via School of Character and No Place for Hate, and collaborated with the district’s Health Department Chair on a social/emotional learning program for sixth graders titled “Stop, Think, Go!” She also facilitated the middle school’s Shared Decision Making Team with a focus on Mental Health and facilitated the middle school Student Support Team, working with counselors to develop plans of support for individual students in need.
Prior to coming to Queensbury, Scotland was a special education teacher at the Watervliet Jr./Sr. High School, as well as an intern to the building principal. Prior to her time at Watervliet, Scotland spent five years as a special education teacher at Catskill High School and has taught English and GED classes. Scotland earned her post-master’s certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University; has a master’s degree in adolescence education, special education and English from The College of Saint Rose, and a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from CUNY Baruch College. She is also state-certified as a school district and building leader and holds certificates to teach English and special education in grades 7-12.
“Robyn has a strong background in special education,” said Superintendent Douglas Huntley, Ed.D. “She’s taught special education for many years and has taught a variety of classes. While Robyn has a strong interest in helping all children, she has a specific fondness for helping students with special needs. She has some exciting ideas about enhancements to our current special education program and we’re pleased she applied for the position. We look forward to Robyn continuing and building upon the great work that has already been done for our students, families, faculty and staff.”