At its May 22 meeting the Board of Education approved the appointment of two new assistant principals.
Kimberly Sparkman and Sean Graney will begin roles as assistant principals starting July 1. They will replace Jim Smith, who has been appointed K-12 supervisor of social studies and business education, and Nicole Conway who will serve as assistant principal at the middle school.
Kimberly Sparkman
Kim Sparkman brings over a decade of education experience to the position as both a teacher and administrator.
Sparkman is currently principal of Questar III and HVCC STEM High School, a school she’s been a part of since the planning stages. She served on the school’s steering committee, wrote grants for funding and built programming prior to the school’s inception.
“I am so excited to be working for Bethlehem Central School District! I am most excited to work closely with the students and help to play a part in their high school experience,” said Sparkman.” Building strong relationships with kids and working to meet their needs and create a space where all students belong is an absolute passion of mine”
Sparkman, who holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego and master’s degrees from Ithaca College and CUNY Hunter College, said she and her husband chose to live in Bethlehem because of the district’s great reputation.
“I am a mother of two, when we first moved to the Albany area we sought out Bethlehem because of the amazing reputation of the school system,” said Sparkman. “I am excited to be part of the school community and participate in the many amazing events that really are the center of our town.”
Sparkman and her husband reside in Olde Delmar with their children, Willa and Flynn. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing and biking the rail trail, “over the summer you can find my family and me at the town pool every weekend, and enjoying all the outdoor concerts in the area in the evening,” said Sparkman.
Sean Graney
Sean Graney is a seasoned educator who currently serves as Salem Central School District’s Jr/Sr High School Principal.
“I’m looking forward to developing solid foundational relationships with the students, staff, parents and community members of Bethlehem and supporting those groups to continue the excellence that the district is known for,” said Graney.
Graney’s diverse experience includes teaching social studies at the high school level, coaching unified basketball and serving as Corinth Central School District’s Middle School Dean of Students. He’s committed to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment and a culture of academic excellence, social responsibility and student success.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Russell Sage, a master’s degree from The College of Saint Rose and a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership from SUNY Plattsburgh. He cites the Bethlehem community’s dedication to education as part of his decision to work in the district.
“The commitment from the community in supporting the students along with the district’s focus on educating the entire student is what made me interested in being part of Bethlehem Central,” said Graney.
Graney and his wife reside in Saratoga Springs with their two children and two dogs. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, attending concerts and watching sports.
As assistant principals, Graney and Sparkman will assist in the supervision of student behavior and discipline and leadership of school-wide programs. Additionally, they will help maintain high expectations and foster a positive school climate.