At its August 9 meeting, the Canajoharie Central School District Board of Education accepted the retirement letter of Superintendent Deborah Grimshaw, effective June 30, 2019.
“It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the Canajoharie school community,” Grimshaw said. “I cannot express my gratitude for the opportunity to finish this part of my career here.”
Grimshaw has been with the district for seven years. During her tenure, the district expanded its early childhood education program, increased its focus on social and emotional learning, added social workers and crisis counselors, and started a K-5 literacy initiative. Grimshaw also oversaw the implementation of a community eligibility program that provides free lunch and breakfast for all students during the school year, as well as meals during the summer months.
“Mrs. Grimshaw has been a leader for our times. Not only did she work tirelessly to help our district navigate the challenges of state and federal mandates but she provides forward-thinking leadership to bring our community to the 21st century,” said Board of Education President Mark Brody. “Among her crowning achievements were the implementation of a restorative justice approach to discipline, a one-on-one computer program, consistent advocacy to acquire funding for public education, and a compassionate approach to addressing effects of poverty on students in our district. She sorely will be missed and difficult to replace.”
Grimshaw looks forward to continuing to support the students as a community member.
The board will determine the process to search and select the next superintendent at a retreat later this month.