Onteora Superintendent of Schools Victoria McLaren is stepping down to become business administrator of the Highland School District, a move that will give her more time with her son.
The school board accepted her resignation, effective May 10, at its February 23 workshop meeting.
“I think the pandemic has led a lot of people to assess what their priorities are,” said McLaren by phone on Thursday.
“It does take a lot of time to do this position and I have a child who is in fifth grade,” she said, adding the position in Highland will allow her to spend more time with her son, who will be entering middle school in the Kingston School District.
“I made the decision for myself and my family that I wanted to step back into a supporting role,” she said, noting Onteora already has a talented and capable person in such a position. She gave high-praise for Assistant Superintendent for Business Monica LaClair.
McLaren said her decision had nothing to do with the recent placing of Athletic Director Kim Pilla on administrative leave and her return to the position after the board rejected a recommendation for a replacement.
The Highland position is equivalent to Onteora’s assistant superintendent of business, a seat McLaren filled when she came to the district 16 years ago. She was promoted to superintendent in 2017.
“I definitely respect her decision and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors,” school board president Laurie Osmond said.
The board will begin to look for an interim superintendent and will consult with BOCES in the search. That person will fill the top role until a new superintendent is selected, Osmond said.
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