Middleburgh Jr/Sr HS principal named NYS Principal of the Year

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Middleburgh Jr/Sr High School principal Matthew Sloane was named the 2024 New York State Secondary School Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). According to SAANYS, the award is given to a middle or HGH school principal who sets the pace, character, and quality of education for the students at their school.

SAANYS says Sloane has been instrumental in overhauling the "entire culture of the building," and Sloane himself says the change "has been the most rewarding." Sloane explained when he arrived there were "significant social and emotional health issues." After having discussions with students, staff, and community members, he says results were immediate after focussing on creating a belonging and accepting environment.

"As the initiative continued to grow, students began to develop trusting relationships with the school and feel ownership and belonging," said Sloane. "We leveraged this trust during the current school year, where we made a unanimous decision to create a distraction-free environment free of cell phones and devices."

Mark Place, Middleburgh Central School District Superintendent of Schools, said Sloane's "knowledge, skills, and experience sets him apart from other principals."

Sloane will represent New York State as the NASSP NYS Principal of the Year, sponsored by SAANYS' national affiliate, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). NASSP will select the national principal of the year from all the state finalists.