Cohoes CSD appoints new middle school principal

COHOES, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- On Wednesday, the Cohoes Board of Education approved a new middle school principal. According to an announcement from the district, Heather Bradt, the current assistant high school principal, will become middle school principal starting July 1.

Bradt began working in the district in 2023 as the assistant high school principal, but has over 16 years of experience, 12 years as a high school math teacher and an additional two years as assistant high school principal of Catskill High School. According to Bradt, both her administrative and teaching roles will help her in this new position.

"My years in administration have prepared me for this new opportunity," Bradt said. "I believe that my experience and passion will allow me to contribute positively to the team and help empower students to achieve their academic goals."

In her new position, Bradt will focus more on fostering connections between learning and the community, as well as curriculum.

"After working at the high school level for 16 years, I am excited to work at the middle school level to prepare students for high school. Middle school age students are at such a pivotal stage in their lives," she said. "My focus as their principal will be to foster their love for learning and community, instilling respect and responsibility and strengthening social emotional awareness. This role is similar to my current role as high school assistant principal, but now I will be focusing more on curriculum and instructional rigor with staff as their instructional leader."

Superintendent of Schools Peggy O'Shea said she looks forward to working with Bradt in her new position and believes she will excel as principal as she did as assistant principal.