March 30, 2011—Following the closure of Woestina Elementary School at the end of the 2010-11 school year, principal Shari Lontrato will take on a new role as the district's director of pupil personnel services.

The Board of Education appointed her to the position, effective September 1, during its March 28 meeting.

Lontrato replaces Joanne Van Genderen, who is retiring at the end of the year after 25 years of service—five of which were as director. 

"I am very excited about this new opportunity," said Lontrato. "For the past four and a half years, I have been working closely with Mrs. VanGenderen and gained a strong understanding of the special education department. I am certain that my knowledge of the school district and my relationship with students, parents, faculty and staff will help make this a smooth transition."

Lontrato has served as Woestina's principal since 2003. Prior to that, she served as dean of students for three years at both Mariaville and Woestina elementary schools while also serving as a class-size reduction teacher at Mariaville. Before joining Schalmont, she was a special education teacher for eight years in several local school districts.

Lontrato earned her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland, her master’s degree from Russell Sage College and her certification in educational administration from the College of St. Rose. She also received permanent certification for school district administrator (SDA), school administrator and supervisor (SAS), special education K-12, reading K-12, biology and general science education 7-12, and elementary education K-6 from the New York State Education Department.

"I have truly enjoyed serving the Woestina school community for the past 10 years," said Lontrato. "It is a bittersweet ending, but I'm thrilled to continue my career in Schalmont and navigate through some exciting changes that are underway for the future."

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