As North Colonie Central School District celebrates its 75th anniversary, Superintendent Kathleen Skeals reflects on the district’s past, present, and future- grounded in a mission that has remained remarkably consistent since its founding: providing the widest range of opportunities for every student.

From its earliest days, North Colonie set itself apart. At a time when many schools focused narrowly on academics, Superintendent Skeals notes how the district prioritized a more expansive vision of education. “When the school was founded, it wasn’t typical for students to have art, music, library, and physical education as part of their daily experience,” Superintendent Skeals explains. “But the first superintendent believed every child deserved access to all of that and in the finest way possible.”

That commitment shaped the district’s identity. Facilities like a swimming pool and an auditorium, considered groundbreaking at the time, were built not just as amenities, but as spaces where students could explore talents beyond the classroom. “It was never just about academics,” Superintendent Skeals says. “It was about developing each student’s interests, passions, and sense of self.”

Seventy-five years later, that philosophy still defines North Colonie. From its award-winning music and arts programs to its wide array of extracurricular opportunities, the district continues to emphasize well-rounded growth. For Superintendent Skeals, moments like attending a winter concert are especially meaningful. “You sit there and think, this is what they envisioned all those years ago. It’s powerful.”

A Global Perspective on Education

Before becoming superintendent, Superintendent Skeals taught English and participated in a Fulbright exchange in Great Britain, an experience that continues to shape her perspective. “It was eye-opening,” she recalls. “I didn’t expect the cultural differences to be as significant as they were.” She also observed differences in how schools approached student behavior and well-being. Topics like bullying, she notes, were discussed more openly in England at the time, something that later became a major focus in American schools as well. One of the most striking contrasts was the structure of the education system. In England, access to opportunities often depended heavily on whether students could attend private school. “That experience deepened my commitment to public education,” Superintendent Skeals says. “Here, we have the ability to make high-quality opportunities available to every student. That’s incredibly important.”

From Classroom to Superintendent

Although Superintendent  Skeals now leads an entire district, she admits she still misses the classroom. “Every single day,” she says without hesitation. “Being a teacher is the greatest job I’ve ever had.”

What she misses most is the direct connection with students– the conversations, the laughter, and the opportunity to help them discover their voice. “One of my favorite things was helping seniors with their college essays,” she says. “It was about helping them express who they are and realize they have something meaningful to say.”

Her role as superintendent, however, requires a broader perspective. “When you’re in the classroom, you’re focused on your students and your space,” she explains. “In this role, you’re looking at the entire system—how everything fits together, where it works, and where it needs to improve.” She describes her position as being “on the balcony rather than on the stage”—guiding the overall direction of the district rather than working directly in a single classroom. A significant part of her job involves building partnerships beyond the district, connecting with higher education institutions and local organizations to expand opportunities for students.

Still, her guiding principle remains rooted in student experience. “If a student graduates and doesn’t know what they’re good at, who they are, or how they can contribute to the world, then we haven’t done our job,” she says. “That’s my North Star.”

Facing the Future: AI and Education

Looking ahead, Superintendent Skeals identifies artificial intelligence as one of the most pressing issues in education today. “We’re at a turning point,” she says. “AI is going to have an impact similar to the introduction of cell phones, but maybe even bigger.”

Rather than rejecting the technology outright, Superintendent Skeals believes schools have a responsibility to teach students how to use it thoughtfully and ethically. “We can’t just say ‘no AI,’” she explains. “Students need to understand it, but they also need to develop their own thinking skills.” She expresses concern about overreliance on AI tools, particularly for younger students. “If you don’t build those foundational skills, writing, critical thinking, problem-solving, then what happens?” she asks.

At the same time, she sees potential for a renewed appreciation of the humanities. “In a world where technology can do so much, human skills- communication, empathy, creativity- become even more important,” she says. “We can’t lose that.”

What Makes North Colonie Unique

When asked what sets North Colonie students apart, Superintendent Skeals points to their sense of community and care for one another. “I truly believe we have some of the most compassionate students anywhere,” she says. She recalls moments like school spirit events and elementary track meets, where students spontaneously cheer on their peers—especially those who need encouragement the most. “That kind of kindness isn’t something you can force,” she says. “It’s part of who our students are.” For Superintendent Skeals, these moments are a source of optimism. “Students give me faith in the future,” she says.

A Vision for the Next 25 Years

As education continues to evolve, Superintendent Skeals anticipates significant changes, particularly at the high school level.

“I don’t think high school will look the same 25 years from now,” she says. She envisions a more personalized approach, where students demonstrate learning through real-world applications rather than traditional exams. “Could a student show their English skills by working for a newspaper? Could they demonstrate history knowledge through a documentary project?” she asks. “I think the answer is yes.”

Such changes, she believes, could make learning more meaningful and engaging, allowing students to explore their interests while building practical skills.

Finding Joy in the Work

Despite the demands of her role, Superintendent Skeals finds joy in simple moments- especially visits to classrooms.

“When I need a reset, I’ll go into a kindergarten class,” she says. “There’s so much honesty, so much curiosity. It reminds you why this work matters.”

She also holds a special place for the high school Writing Center, a space she helped bring to life earlier in her career. “It’s a place where students can express themselves and grow,” she says. “That’s what education is all about.”

A Legacy of Opportunity

As North Colonie marks 75 years, Superintendent Skeals sees the district’s legacy not just in its history, but in its continued commitment to students.

“The goal has always been the same,” she says. “To give every student the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can become.” If the past is any indication, that mission will continue to guide North Colonie for decades to come.