Superintendent Ross emphasizes culture, connection, and community
Kimberly Ross was named Duanesburg’s new superintendent of schools in March 2024. She brings extensive experience to the role, having served as superintendent of the Green Island Union Free School District from 2019-2024. Before that, she held leadership positions as the director of student support services for the Gloversville Enlarged School District, and as an elementary principal in both Gloversville and Middleburgh. Ross began her career as a social studies teacher in the Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District.
Ross is a New York certified administrator with a certification in school district administration from the University at Albany and SUNY Plattsburgh. She holds a bachelor’s degree in adolescent education from the State University of New York at Oneonta and a master’s degree in education theory and practice/history from the University at Albany.
Before officially starting on July 1, 2024, Ross spent the final month of the 2023-24 school year immersing herself in the district. This included visiting schools during the school day, meeting with every department, attending dozens of school and community events, and riding buses with students to gain firsthand insight into the daily Duanesburg experience. She also held nearly 25 one-on-one meetings with staff members to better understand their needs and perspectives.
“The initial learning period was invaluable,” Ross said. “It gave me the opportunity to connect with the DCS community and fine-tune my vision for how my experience and leadership can benefit this district in the years to come.” Through these interactions, Ross identified key priorities for the district.
“This community has expressed the need for a leader who will be deeply invested, an active member of the community who is a visible presence at school activities, and someone who will be here for the long term,” said Ross. “These are traits that are incredibly important to me as well,” she added. “I’ve been an educator for almost 25 years and nothing would make me happier than having my superintendency at Duanesburg be my “final stop,” before contemplating retirement from K-12 education — which is still more than seven years away.”
Ross’ appointment was met with enthusiasm from the district’s Board of Education. Board President Melissa Them Peterson touted Ross’s achievements at Green Island, and noted her commitment to fostering relationships and ability to lead by example as tools that will help her to uphold DCS’ mission and values. “The fact that she is a native to the Schoharie Valley is a wonderful bonus,” Them Peterson added.
Ross’ transition period also revealed another topic that repeatedly came up in conversation with staff, students, and families — the culture at DCS.
“A positive culture, inclusiveness, and simple kindness should be at the forefront of everything we do in our school district,” Ross said. “Academic excellence is always the top goal, and Duanesburg has excelled in that area for years — but graduation rates mean little if we’re not also developing students into responsible, caring adults who will positively contribute to our society.”
To kick off the new school year, Ross implemented a district-wide commitment to nurturing key elements like joy, transparent communication, trust, and a positive culture. In her opening day speech to staff, she reiterated the importance of positivity and encouraged colleagues to renew their own commitment to these ideals: “Joy is the cornerstone of our work. Transparent communication is essential for success. Trust is the foundation of our relationships. Fostering a positive culture is what makes Duanesburg Central School District a special place to work. Our culture is shaped by our values, actions, and interactions,” she told staff.
Earlier this fall, Ross facilitated a community forum open to any interested community member to discuss the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). DCS’s DASA coordinators Kendra Shedina and Dana Kamer headlined the forum, with an in-depth discussion on plans that have been put into place to help create a more positive culture in the district. Ross is planning a follow-up forum in the near future in an effort to continue the conversation about culture at DCS.
“Students will always be at the heart of my decisions as superintendent, and every action I take will be guided by what’s best for them,” Ross said. “This is my promise as the leader of Duanesburg Central School District. It is a commitment that I take very seriously and an honor that I hold very close to my heart.”
