News
July 28, 2020New Principal ‘Exhilarated’ by her job at Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School
Former Schenectady City School administrator Shelette Pleat completed her second week of work at Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School “exhilarated” by the new job.
“It’s been a busy, yet exhilarating first week and I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, administrators and students – as well as our business partners – to provide the best education and skills training possible for the students of the Capital Region,” said Pleat, who started work on July 13 as principal of the Career and Technical School Albany Campus.
Pleat, who was an early literacy coordinator for the Schenectady schools, was appointed by the Capital Region BOCES Board of Education on June 15.
She said she looks forward to working with faculty, staff and administrators to maximize opportunities for students.
“I am most looking forward to working with the staff and students. Supporting staff as they share their knowledge and passion of their work with students and then students afforded the opportunities to demonstrate their mastery of this knowledge will be a definite highlight of my role,” she said.
Pleat has worked in the Schenectady schools since 2017, previously serving as a principal in the Albany and Salem schools. She got her start in education as an elementary teacher first in Troy and later in Albany.
“My leadership role over the years has given me extensive experience in creating positive school cultures and maintaining safe environments that ensure maximum instruction for all students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. These experiences have helped me to reflect on my leadership skills and to create a laser sharp focus on meeting the needs of the school community as we all work together to ensure that the success of students is the top priority,” she said.
Pleat said a career and technical education is important in an ever-evolving world.
“I believe a CTE education is extremely important. We are preparing students for a world that is continuously evolving. A CTE education prepares students with real world skills and knowledge that will set them apart from others,” she said.
Career and Technical Education Director Jeff Palmer said Pleat “will be a great addition to our organization and I am excited for her to join our team.”
“She is a very strong advocate for students, values relationships, has high expectations for all, and has strong leadership skills. On top of that, Ms. Pleat has a positive, engaging disposition that students and staff will appreciate and enjoy,” Palmer added.
