Voorheesville Central School District (VCSD) announces the anticipated appointment of Brianna Olsen as the next principal at Voorheesville Middle School. Olsen currently serves as the Assistant Principal for both middle and high school, and as the district’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Liaison. Superintendent Frank Macri stated Olsen has already made incredible inroads with students and with the community.
“From her first week working with the district, Ms. Olsen demonstrated an ability to connect with students and families in deeply meaningful ways while also taking on leadership roles at both the middle and the high school,” Macri said. “She is also an innovator, identifying opportunities for the district to grow to serve our current and future students.”
Olsen believes building relationships create the foundation for student success.
“My first priority at Voorheesville has been to foster relationships with students, families and staff,” Olsen said. “I’m proud of all we have accomplished together to elevate student voice and to create the district’s first DEI event, the Blackbird Community Fair.”
Olsen, who has a background in school psychology and certification as a behavior analyst, brings over 17 years of experience to this position. She completed a Master’s Degree in School Psychology at SUNY Plattsburgh, a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism at Sage Graduate School. Additionally, she received administration certification in School Building Leader and School District Leader from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. At Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School, Olsen worked as an Assistant Principal, before joining VCSD in Sept. of 2023.
Olsen says she is honored to have the opportunity to serve the community as the next middle school principal. Her strong investment in academic success and social-emotional wellbeing is reflected in some of her goals.
“I believe in using data and a shared decision-making process for developing action plans that will benefit each student,” said Olsen. “I plan to strengthen collaborative relationships with all stakeholders, build streamlined communication methods, and develop written standard operating procedures that will support the continued success of our students during their crucial middle school years.”
In February of 2024, current middle school principal Jennifer Drautz announced her plans to retire at the end of this school year, and the district began recruiting candidates both internally and externally to replace her.
Olsen is expected to be appointed at the next board meeting on June 3.