We are pleased to welcome Laura Karlson as our new Principal at Richard T. Stank Middle School. At its October 18, 2023 meeting, the Susquehanna Valley CSD Board of Education officially approved her appointment, and she was kind enough to provide this bio:
"I am honored to introduce myself as the new Richard T. Stank Middle School Principal in Susquehanna Valley School District. With extensive experience and a deep commitment to fostering positive educational environments, I have had the privilege of working in various roles within the field of education. My journey began as a special education teacher and athletic coach for swimming and girls’ lacrosse in the Johnson City School district, I was also a summer school teacher for the Upward Bound program at Binghamton University.
In 2011, I became an 8:1:1 Special Education Teacher at Broome-Tioga BOCES, where I developed skills in individualized instruction and special education, ensuring every student's unique needs were met. I expanded my role to become a Broome Tioga BOCES District Instructional Coach. For several years I delved into data analysis, coaching teachers, providing professional development, and modeling instructional strategies, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
I spent many summers as a TOSA-Supervisor/Regents Coordinator at Broome Tioga BOCES Regional Summer School, which provided invaluable experience in instructional leadership and the administration of Regents Exams.
Most recently I took on the role of Assistant Principal at the BOCES Alternative Middle School, where we embarked on the exciting journey of reimagining the school as a project-based learning environment. Our goal was to transform the traditional educational model into a dynamic, student-centered atmosphere, allowing students to engage in hands-on projects and real-world applications.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to establish new connections within the school community at Susquehanna Valley. Together, we will inspire, educate, and empower our students to reach their full potential, fostering an environment of growth, success, and inclusivity."