Nancy Rad is leaving her position as Community Schools Coordinator to become the new principal at Barkley Elementary School, the Greater Amsterdam School District has announced. She will begin in her new position on August 16, replacing Donna Decker who is retiring.

“I am excited at the opportunity to unite my experience, my openness to learning, and my child-centered approach to support the students and families of Barkley School,” Rad said. “Because the relationships between families and the school are vital to the success of our students, I encourage parents to become involved in every way possible. I welcome conversation and positive input throughout the school year.”

Rad has worked for GASD since 2008 and had held numerous positions over those 13 years including Community Schools Coordinator, behavior specialist, grants coordinator, magnet school coordinator and facilitator, Kindergarten teacher and more.

Prior to coming to GASD, Rad worked from 2005-2008 at Brown School in Schenectady as Head of Student Affairs (nursery through grade 8) and other administrative positions. She was also Gifted and Talented Coordinator/Facilitator in the Scotia-Glenville Central School District from 1995-2005.

She belongs to numerous academic and educational organizations at the national, state and local level and has served on a host of district professional committees and task forces during her career. She has a strong background in working to establish and improve child care and student mental health programming and initiatives.

Rad has won two Teacher of the Year awards, Citizen of the Year (ZONTA), Friend of Education (CASDA), and the Montgomery County Legislature declared Sept. 16, 2020 “Nancy Rad Day” for her work helping students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rad earned a Doctor in Philosophy in Education degree (pending) from Northcentral University (Phoenix), a master’s degree in Educational Administration from the College of Saint Rose, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley College in Massachusetts, and a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the State University at Oswego.