At its meeting on Nov. 5, the Bethlehem Central Board of Education appointed Charles Voelker as Interim Assistant Director of athletics and wellness and Paul Jenkins as Interim K-12 academic supervisor of physical education, health and family and consumer science. Both bring extensive experience in athletics, school leadership, and student programming to their new interim roles.

Charles Voelker, Interim Assistant Director of Athletics and Wellness

Charlie Voelker brings more than two decades of experience in athletics administration, media, and coaching. He served for 17 years as Associate Athletic Director at the University at Albany, where he supervised multiple sports teams and oversaw marketing and licensing, media relations, corporate partnerships, ticket sales, spirit squads, and student/campus engagement.  Following his time at UAlbany, Voelker spent three years with ESPN Radio in Albany, co-hosting the afternoon drive sports talk show, The Drive with Charlie & Dan. Most recently, he has served in the BC athletic program as a modified baseball coach and assistant modified football coach.

Voelker earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in educational policy & leadership, both from the University at Albany. A district resident and BC parent, his son Andrew graduated from Bethlehem Central in 2018.

“We live in the district and our son is a Bethlehem graduate; I am an Eagle through osmosis,” said Voelker. “I’m really excited to be here. I hope to utilize my past experiences to help the students in any way that I can.”

In his free time, Voelker enjoys coaching, spending time with his wife, Kim, fishing, going to the beach, and attending sporting events.

Paul Jenkins, Interim Director of Physical Education, Health, Family and Consumer Science

Paul Jenkins brings more than 36  years of experience in K-12 education and broad administrative experience to Bethlehem Central. He retired in June 2022 after serving as Superintendent of Schools for Glens Falls City School District for over a decade. Most recently, Jenkins served as interim elementary principal for Fort Ann Central School and has previously held roles including middle/high school English teacher, K-12 principal, high school principal (Galway), and assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in East Greenbush and Glens Falls.

Since retiring, Jenkins has remained active in education through interim administrative roles, consulting on school capital projects, mentoring, and assisting a local school with restructuring plans.

Jenkins holds a bachelor’s degree in english education from SUNY Potsdam, a master’s degree in administration from SUNY Plattsburgh, and completed additional study at SUNY Oswego. 

“Bethlehem has a tremendous reputation as an outstanding school district,” said Jenkins. “I am looking forward to helping out in any way I can to move forward with district initiatives.” 

Jenkins and his wife, Lynne, live in Glens Falls with their two dogs, Jack and Finnegan. Their two adult sons live out of state. Jenkins enjoys CrossFit, skiing, golf, and pickleball.