Kathryn Michalowski will be stepping in to oversee the needs of 429 special education students in the Octorara Area School District on Sept. 1.
Look for a smooth transition and a continued commitment to service, according to Michalowski, an Octorara resident.
“First and foremost, my priority is to maintain the excellent level of service that Mr. DiObilda has given to students, families and the community over the past 38 years,” Michalowski said of Richard DiObilda, her retiring co-worker.
“As an educator, I am interested in ensuring that our students, parents and educational community understand the special education process and how it can best support student learning.”
A former teacher and district administrator, Michalowski began working for the Octorara district in 2004. She said she was so impressed with the district she moved herself and her two children to Octorara. Her children, a son and a daughter, are sophomores at Octorara Area Junior/Senior High School.
“My daughter is quite involved in sports, is interested in foreign affairs, and would like to serve her country,” said Michalowski. “My son loves to read and has his sights set on physics or astrophysics.”
Michalowski has a varied educational background. She earned her bachelor’s degree in German and secondary education and music from Towson State University. She also holds a master’s degree in English from the University of Florida. Michalowski completed post-graduate studies in English literature, and German and Scandinavian language and literature at the University of Munich.
She has principal and superintendent certifications, and has completed doctoral level course work in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.