For the first time in nearly 12 years, Brunswick (Brittonkill) Central School District has a new school business official this fall.
Gail Lathrop, who first started working for the district in 1988 as District Treasurer before becoming Director of Business Operations in 2000, will retire on October 28.
Succeeding Ms. Lathrop will be Lyn Derway, currently the Assistant Superintendent for Business at the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District. Ms. Derway started October 24.
Ms. Derway’s extensive experience as a school business official made her the clear choice for the position, noted Superintendent Lou McIntosh. Ms. Derway has served as a school administrator for the past 25 years, including working for the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk, Lake George, Plattsburgh, Greenwich and North Warren school districts.
“We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have such a gifted business official like Gail for the past 12 years. To say she’ll be missed is an enormous understatement,” said Mr. McIntosh. “Fortunately, Lyn comes to our district with a similar expertise in school finances and the same passion for providing our students the best education we can while being mindful of our taxpayers.”
The district’s strong fiscal condition was in fact a key reason that Ms. Derway was attracted to Brunswick (Brittonkill) Central School District.
"I believe Brunswick is a district where I'll be able to build on past successes," Ms. Derway said. "They are in a good fiscal condition and have a supportive community that cares deeply about their schools.”
Ms. Derway added she was also impressed with the district’s outstanding reputation. Whenever she speaks to people about the district, she always hears accolades.
“The district values education as evidenced by their School Report Card. Their vision statement reflects the culture of the district. They value individuality, mutual respect and cooperation and community partnerships,” Ms. Derway said. “I was also impressed with how the district has reduced positions over the last few years through retirements. To me that says the Board of Education and District really care about people.”
Ms. Derway and her husband, Mick, live in Lake George. They have four adult children, Bill, Deanna, Justin and Greg.
Ms. Lathrop said while she’s looking forward to her retirement, she also will miss working for the district. She said her time at Brunswick has been incredibly rewarding and she’s proud of the financial stability she’s provided, particularly during the past few years when schools have faced enormous financial challenges.
"I feel as if I'm leaving this district in the best possible place it could be in during these tough economic times," Ms. Lathrop said.
