The Cambridge Board of Education appointed Jerry J. Gibson III the district’s new elementary school principal during its regular meeting on Thursday, April 14. Gibson began his tenure in the district in 2019 as the elementary associate principal, a role he will remain in until the end of the school year. Prior to working in Cambridge, Gibson was an elementary special education teacher at the Mechanicville City School District for seven years.
“I am excited for the opportunity to lead the elementary school,” said Gibson. “I’ve had the privilege to work alongside administrators, teachers, staff and paraprofessionals to redesign Cambridge to meet the ever-changing needs of our students, staff, families and community. The school and community’s rich history and culture is something I am incredibly proud of. By continuing a culture where our students and staff are supported, valued and challenged, we can remain a school that prepares its students to have the necessary tools and skills to be successful.”
As the elementary principal, Gibson will take over the role currently held by Colleen Lester, who announced her retirement last fall. Some of the highlights of Gibson’s tenure include: implementing SEL curriculum with the mental health team and developing a system of data collection related to every students’ social and emotional strengths/needs; leading a team to create research-based tiered interventions (RtI) for academic and behavior needs; developing a continuum of special education services; and analyzing systems of intervention to schedule intervention blocks for all students.
“We are very excited to have Mr. Gibson on board as our new elementary principal,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Douglas Silvernell. “We look forward to his energy and leadership for many years to come.”
Gibson will assume his new role July 1.