FALLSBURG – As the saying goes, it’s never easy saying goodbye. Especially for someone with a strong passion for their work. Many who had the privilege of working alongside Ms. Mary Kate Stinehour can attest to her selfless and unparalleled devotion to Benjamin Cosor Elementary School. She brought a fun, loving, and wholesome environment to her students. As her tenure comes to an end, her legacy will be felt for many years to come.

Mary Kate’s career began in 1995, where she taught second and third grade in the Tri-Valley Central School. She remained in that position until accepting the role as assistant principal at Benjamin Cosor Elementary School in 2008. Later that year, she became acting principal before officially assuming the probationary position the following school year.

As principal, she made it her central mission to meet the needs of students and staff every day. She introduced reading and math coaching positions, which allowed teaching leaders to support and guide staff development and improve overall academic performance for students. This initiative received overwhelming support from administrators and faculty. Ms. Stinehour was also a proponent of the Response to Intervention (RTI) process, which is a framework that identifies specific academic and behavioral needs of students.

Of course, serving the role of principal came with its fair share of challenges. She noted how priorities for students and staff have shifted dramatically over the years, particularly, the increasing reliance on technology. “We need the advances in technology because that's the world we've created,” said Mary Kate. “However, with that comes a decrease in one-to-one communication.”

Above all, Ms. Stinehour’s innate ability to develop a deep connection with her students and staff is what really sets her apart. She remained an active participant in all of the school activities, such as Comet Games, Elf on a Shelf, and the PBIS Kick-Off events. She always ensured that every staff member's concern was heard and sought ways to improve the school’s environment.

When asked if she could give a piece of advice to aspiring educational leaders, she emphasized staying true to yourself and striving for what’s right. “You have to speak your mind, even if it goes against the norm,” she said. “It goes back to always staying true to yourself. You have to respectfully share what you feel is right even though people in the room may not think the same way you do.”

The Fallsburg Central School District would like to thank Ms. Mary Kate Stinehour for her 18 years of service and wishes for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement. Once a Comet, always a Comet.