Catskill Board of Education appoints interim high school principal

CATSKILL, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Catskill Central School District has appointed an interim high school principal. Thomas Martin will serve as the principal for the duration of the school year, until June 30, 2025.

Martin comes to Catskill from serving as the interim principal at the Queensbury Union Free School District. According to the Catskill School District, Martin has been providing interim administration services to schools since retiring from the Village School of North Bennington in 2016.

"As a teacher and administrator, I have always placed the highest priority on meeting the needs of all children and families by building positive productive relationships and seeking creative solutions when working with students, staff and families," Martin stated.

For over 40 years, Martin has been a school administrator, leader and teacher. At the Village School of North Bennington, Martin was the founding head of the school and chief executive officer but also served as the elementary school principal. He taught at Queensbury Union Free School District, coached sports and was principal for 17 years at Schuylerville Central School District.

"I’m a pretty busy guy, I don’t let the grass grow under my feet," Martin explained. "I love being around kids and teachers and being in schools, it’s just something I love to do."

Martin holds permanent certificates to teach secondary social studies and as both a school building and school district administrator in New York State. He also has a master's degree with a certificate of advanced study in educational administration.

Martin replaces acting principal John Rivers, who was placed in the position following the decision by the Board of Education to place the former principal Junait Shah on administrative leave. Shah then later resigned after accepting a position at Coxsackie-Athens Central School District.