McKenzie Barrett has been appointed as the new Committee on Special Education (CSE) Chair for middle school. While Barrett will officially begin the role on Sept. 1, she is no stranger to the district, having served BC students and families since 2016.

As Middle School CSE Chair, Barrett’s responsibilities will include supervising special education teachers and service providers, leading CSE meetings, and ensuring that students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) have the support they need to thrive. Barrett’s office is located on the third floor of the middle school.

Barrett has been a special education teacher at the middle school since she began in the district. She has taught in the Foundations classroom for eight years and most recently served as a DCT-6 teacher at the school. Prior to coming to Bethlehem, she taught sixth grade at Cathedral Academy at Pompei in Syracuse and sixth- and seventh-grade math at KIPP: Tech Valley, a charter school in Albany.

Barrett holds a bachelor’s degree in history and special education from Le Moyne College, where she also earned a master’s degree in literacy. She is currently studying educational policy and leadership at the University at Albany.

When asked what she’s most excited about in her new role, Barrett said she looks forward to continuing to build the kinds of relationships that foster success for all students.

“I’m most excited to collaborate with families and teachers to support students in reaching their individual, full potential in school. Having spent the last decade living and working in this district, I truly value the strong connections we’ve built, and I look forward to continuing that cooperation to ensure every child feels supported, included, and successful in their school experience.”

Congratulations to McKenzie Barrett on this new leadership role!