Millbrook makes its superintendent official

MILLBROOK — Laura Mitchell has been appointed superintendent of schools by the Millbrook Central School District (MCSD) Board of Education (BOE) and BOE President Perry Hartswick effective July 1, 2020.

Announcing the appointment, the board released a statement that it was “delighted” to do so, as Mitchell has been interim superintendent for the past five months, serving at a difficult time while a search was ongoing for a permanent superintendent. 

“During that time she has led our district through some of the greatest challenges the district has faced in recorded history, including the impacts from COVID-19,” stated the board. “Her leadership, positive attitude and experience have made it clear that our permanent superintendent has been here all along.”

Mitchell, who during the interim period executed a tour of the district, which she called a “Listening and Learning” tour, got to know the district and the people in it. She has practiced an open-door policy for staff and students alike, and has attended many events in the district to get better acquainted with the area and its residents.

When asked to comment on her appointment, she said, “I am thrilled and honored to continue to be part of such a wonderfully caring community that truly does great things for its students. Here’s to a bright and productive future — together.  Onward!”

Mitchell’s experience in education includes helping to found an all-girls public school in Queens in 2006, which served a very diverse population and had a graduation rate of 98%.

From there, Mitchell took a position as superintendent of a school in Garrison, N.Y., where she spent the past five and a half years and where she was instrumental in establishing a literacy program for grades kindergarten through eight. Other accomplishments while in Garrison include creating a 1:1 Chromebook initiative for grades three through eight and bringing computer literacy and expertise to younger students. She also oversaw a $9.9 million  capital project in the district.

Mitchell lived in Beacon for many years, but her mother worked at Cardinal Hayes School in Millbrook, so she is familiar with the village and has fond memories of visiting it as a child.  

She earned her undergraduate degree from Ithaca College, her M.S. from St. Rose’s College and her M.L.S. from SUNY Albany. She earned her Doctorate at Manhattanville College in education leadership. She has served as a library media specialist and as an assistant principal as well as a principal and superintendent, so her experience is vast. 

Both Mitchell and the BOE have said they are looking forward to a productive and fruitful partnership in the future.

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Street Fair celebration June 28

Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.

Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less