It is a bittersweet time at Galway Central School District, as Superintendent Brita Donovan, Ed.D.  is planning to retire in January 2025. Dr. Donovan has served at Galway CSD since 2012, and in that time, she has made many significant improvements.

“Leading Galway Central School District has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my professional life,” said Dr. Donovan. “Together, we have navigated the COVID challenges. We celebrated numerous academic successes, including our new Pre-K program,  Agricultural, Business, and Engineering Pathways to Graduation, successful implementation of the Next Generation Standards, and access to technology for all with our 1-1 device initiative.  Most importantly, we have positively impacted thousands of students’ lives by implementing our RULER program, enhancing extracurricular opportunities, and providing new play areas. Our district has seen vast improvements in our campus through our work in the 2016 and 2020 Capital Projects, the purchase of two parcels of land, and continued attention to clean, neat, safe spaces for our students and staff.  We have also made significant strides towards inclusivity and equity in education—a school where all students are welcome and safe.”

It was always important to Dr. Donovan that the students be surprised when they came back to school from summer break or a vacation with something that would make them smile and feel proud to be a Golden Eagle ~ a new banner, a wall mural, or a carved eagle at the entrance. Through her vision, our hallways are personalized, colorful, meaningful, and uniquely Galway.
Many are unaware that Dr. Donovan used funds that she earned conducting DASA trainings for professionals across the region to purchase items for the students. From Galway bucket hats for one Homecoming to a 10x10 pop up tent that teams could use at competitions, Dr. Donovan always, first and foremost, had students in mind.  To say that we will miss her is an understatement, and we wish her a long, healthy, happy retirement!

Succeeding Dr. Donovan in the interim will be Mr. Mark Fish, who will be acting administrator on January 13 and interim superintendent on February 1, 2025.  Mr. Fish retired as superintendent of Greenwich Central School District in 2022 and since served as interim principal at Fort Plain Central School District and Salem Washington Academy. He will ensure a smooth transition until the next Galway superintendent takes the reigns on July 1, 2025. Stay tuned for more details.