Celebrating Excellence in Monticello Schools: Deborah Wood

October 2009

Robert J. Kaiser Middle School Principal Deborah Wood was named as one of this year’s award recipients by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council (MHSSC) for Excellence in Administration. She was chosen for this honor after being nominated by Monticello Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel.

“Deb has truly built an educational community at RJK,” said Michel. “Her hard work and perseverance has led to the middle school being removed from all the state lists for the first time in eight years.”

Wood began her career in Monticello as a physical education teacher 31 years ago. After 11 years, she was promoted to middle school assistant principal and then to the position of principal – which she has held for 15 years.

During her career in education, she has always shied away from the limelight, keeping her focus on student learning and achievement or what she would call “the really important things.” At the helm of the complete restructuring of the middle school, hers has been a challenging road filled with many hurdles and long hard workdays.

She believes in collaboration and shares the credit for her many successes with her faculty, staff, students, parents and fellow administrators. She is also extremely grateful to Monticello’s Board of Education for supporting her many projects and initiatives.

“I was very surprised – and excited - when I found out I won this award,” said Wood. “This is a great honor.”

Photo: RJK Principal Deborah Wood, center, received her Award of Excellence at the recent MHSSC banquet at Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor. Dozens of her colleagues shared in the celebration including, from left, Monticello Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel and Board of Education Vice President Richard Feller.

CLICK HERE to view a photo array from the awards ceremony.