Top financial administrator retires

PINE PLAINS — On Thursday, July 1, the Pine Plains Central School District (PPCSD) said a fond farewell to a steadfast member of its administrative team as Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance Michael Goldbeck retired after 15 years of service.

The public was first made aware of Goldbeck’s plans to retire during a Board of Education (BOE) meeting last December. It was with regret and appreciation that the board announced his retirement.

“This one’s a little painful — we worked with Michael for a very long time and he certainly deserves to retire,” BOE President Chip Couse said at the time, “but Michael, I have to say for myself — and we’ll have plenty of time to give you kudos before you go — it has been an absolute pleasure to work with you.”

Goldbeck’s career as the district’s number two marked his first job in education. Before joining the PPCSD, he was studying in SUNY New Paltz’s education administration program. When this position became available, he interviewed and then started the job in February 2006.

Goldbeck has been a vital member of the PPCSD, assisting both the administration and the BOE in a number of ways throughout the district. 

Goldbeck said Pine Plains now has the strongest business office in terms of staffing since he’s been involved with the district. 

He also outlined the number of construction projects that have been completed over the years — including the energy performance project and the renovation of the Stissing Mountain Junior/Senior High School auditorium — and he stressed the district is still without any debt.

“I think the overall financial condition of the district is very strong,” Goldbeck said, “and I share a lot of credit for that with past and present superintendents and past and present Boards of Education. I think it’s important for school districts to be in good financial shape. I’m leaving things in a very good state, and I’m very happy about that.”

When asked about the unforeseen challenges during his last full year — particularly with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic —  Goldbeck said he thought it was mostly difficult for educators and students rather than for himself. Though he spent quite a number of days working from home and had to switch from in-person to remote work, Goldbeck’s focus concerned issues educators faced teaching students remotely versus what he had to deal with.

Asked whether he felt melancholy about his retirement or excited about leaving, Goldbeck was thoughtful.

“I think both,” he said. “It felt like the right time to go, but there’s a lot that I’ll miss. Mostly it’s the people I’ve had the privilege and honor of working with over these last 15-plus years.”

Nevertheless, Goldbeck shared his confidence in his successor, Monica LaClair, who was first introduced to the public at the BOE meeting on March 17.

Equipped with a professional school district business certificate and 16 years’ worth of experience in school business offices, LaClair was appointed assistant superintendent of business and finance for a three-year probationary term due to her prior tenure appointment for administrative tenure in another New York State school district. Her probationary term began Monday, June 21, and will continue through June 20, 2024.

“I couldn’t be happier to be leaving the district in Monica’s competent hands,” Goldbeck said. “She’s got a wide range of experience and is very knowledgeable, and the best part of leaving is knowing that I’m leaving things in very capable hands.”

Now that he’s officially retired from the PPCSD, Goldbeck said he will start making plans for his future, adding that he’ll be taking some time to figure out what his next steps might be.

“It’s been a joy and an honor to work for the district and the community,” Goldbeck said, “and that means a lot. I’ll always hold that very dear.”