The Guilderland Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Katie Stalker as the next principal of Pine Bush Elementary School. Dr. Stalker, who is currently Principal of Mater Christi School, was appointed by the board of education at its April 8 meeting. She will begin her new role on July 1, 2025, succeeding Chris Sanita, who is retiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
“I am honored to become the third principal in Pine Bush Elementary School’s proud history and I look forward to continuing the strong legacy built by Ms. Beck and Mr. Sanita,” said Dr. Stalker. “From meeting with the PTA and faculty to reading with incoming kindergarteners, I already feel fortunate to be part of such a welcoming and dedicated school community.”
Dr. Stalker began her career in education in 2001 as an elementary social studies teacher in the Green Island Union Free School District. She went on to serve as a substitute teacher in the South Colonie Central School District and later as a fourth grade teacher, science teacher and literacy mentor at PS 59 Community School of Technology in the New York City Department of Education. Her career continued with positions as a first grade teacher and an AIS math teacher in the Valley Central School District and as a kindergarten teacher in the Wallkill Central School District. She also served as Principal of the Elementary Summer Learning Academy, Wallkill CSD.
In 2017 Dr. Stalker was pleased to return home to the Capital Region when she was appointed Assistant Principal of Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology in the Albany City School District. Following that role, she held principals positions at Rensselaer Park Elementary School in the Lansingburgh Central School District and at Mater Christi School.
To help students and faculty become familiar with her before the start of the school year, Dr. Stalker created two introductory videos. In them, she visited several Guilderland landmarks, including the public library, and shared a few of her personal interests, such as her love of reading.
“I am eager to officially begin my role as principal at PBES and to work alongside the many wonderful colleagues and community members of the Guilderland Central School District,” Dr. Stalker said.
The Guilderland Central School District warmly welcomes Dr. Stalker and looks forward to her leadership at Pine Bush Elementary School.