As North Colonie marks 75 years, its history is often told through milestones– new programs, expanding opportunities, and evolving classrooms. But for Linda Harrison, the President of the Board of Education, the story of the district is just as much about continuity as it is about change.
“One of the most remarkable things about North Colonie,” Mrs. Harrison reflects, “is how much has stayed consistent over time.” She explains that such consistency begins with leadership, with the district only having five superintendents in its entire history. “They’ve all been committed to North Colonie by fostering innovation and maintaining a deep respect for the district’s traditions” she says.
Mrs. Harrison notes that just as important has been the unwavering support of the community. “Families have consistently backed school initiatives, from budgets to new programs, demonstrating how much they value education.
While continuity defines the district’s foundation, growth has expanded what North Colonie can offer its students. “There are simply more opportunities now,” she notes. From academics and career-focused programs to athletics and the arts, students today can explore a wider range of interests than ever before. The expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE), music, and extracurricular activities reflects a deliberate effort to meet diverse student needs. The district has also become significantly more diverse, with dozens of languages spoken in students’ homes, a change she describes as “an incredible thing that enriches the school community”
At its core, however, Mrs. Harrison notes how North Colonie’s mission remains unchanged. “Doing as much as we can to offer as many opportunities for students as possible- that’s always been the goal.”
A Teacher at Heart
Before serving on the Board of Education, Mrs. Harrison spent decades in the classroom as a social studies teacher at Shaker High School, a role that continues to shape her perspective today.
“Teaching is hard,” she says. “But it’s also incredibly meaningful.” Mrs. Harrison’s experience gives her a deep respect for educators across the district. As board president, she has gained a broader understanding of the entire school system, from transportation and facilities to elementary education, but her appreciation for classroom teachers remains central. “I know how much goes into it,” she explains. “That’s something I carry with me in this role.”
Mrs. Harrison’s years in the classroom were defined not by a single moment, but by countless interactions with students. More than content knowledge, she hoped to instill lasting skills and values. “I wanted students to become critical thinkers,” she says. “To be resilient, to persevere, and ultimately to be good citizens.” Mrs. Harrison often described her goal as helping students become “informed patriots”– individuals who understand the complexities of history and use those lessons to contribute to society. When asked about her favorite topic to teach, Mrs. Harrison immediately responded with “Gettysburg.” The day she taught about Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address– walking through the speech that encapsulated true leadership– was most memorable for her. “That was the day. That was the class. It was a turning point, his address, when you look back on it. It’s a just unbelievable story. You need that kind of leadership and initiative.”
Leadership Built on Respect
As President of the Board of Education, Mrs. Harrison holds that the system itself reflects the values it aims to promote. Despite differing perspectives, members share a common priority: making decisions in the best interest of students.
“We may have different ideas,” she says, “but we respect one another, and our focus is always on students and families.” In a time when public discourse often feels divided, Mrs. Harrison emphasizes the importance of modeling civility..
In a unique full-circle moment, Mrs. Harrison now serves alongside several of her former students on the Board, an experience she describes as both rare and deeply meaningful. “To see them now, contributing to the district in this way, is incredibly special,” she says.
“Opportunities for All”
When asked to describe North Colonie in just three words, Mrs. Harrison’s answer is simple: “Opportunities for all.” It’s a phrase that captures both the district’s history and its future. From expanding academic programs to fostering community engagement, North Colonie continues to create an environment where every student can explore their interests and find their path.
Even after decades of involvement with the district, Mrs. Harrison still returns to one of her most vivid memories: her classroom. “I think of the conversations we used to have in the veranda of M107,” she recalls. “Students sharing ideas, asking questions about history, that was something special. Time stood still there.”