Lancaster Central School District is pleased to welcome Bethany Henke to the administrative team at William Street School. Mrs. Henke will be joining the team as an assistant principal. The foundation of Lancaster’s list of accomplishments is the team of administrators and faculty that work together to create opportunities for students to succeed. Mrs. Henke is excited to be a part of that foundation and brings her experience supporting instruction and student outcomes to the intermediate age group at William Street School.
Before coming to Lancaster, Henke was the assistant principal at Warsaw Elementary School, where she focused on using data and Multi-Tier Systems of Support to identify the strengths and needs of both her students and the school. She has also been commended for her use of restorative practices as an approach for discipline and for her child advocacy.
Mrs. Henke's commitment is evident as she speaks of her new position. “I love the intermediate age group of students. They have a ton of energy and are just starting to find their voice. I am also looking forward to continuing some of the great programs at William Street, including the Mentor Program,” she explained. “Everyone I have met has a passion for education and they clearly care about the students and their experience in the district. I am excited to be a part of this team and I can’t wait for the new 2022-2023 school year to start.”
There was a search committee that consisted of administrators, teachers, a PTO board member, and a secretary. Students were also involved in the process. They conducted building tours with the candidates and interviewed them informally. Henke was the unanimous choice by the hiring committee and was appointed at the July 11 Board of Education meeting.
“We are excited to welcome Bethany Henke to the William Street Elementary team. Bethany impressed all of the committee members from the first time we met her. It became clear in our conversations and from her resume that she is skilled at developing strong relationships with students, parents, the community and, of course, the faculty and staff. She believes in creating a positive and enjoyable climate based on respect and caring and we could not be more thrilled that she is joining us at William Street,” Dr. Karen Marchioli, Director of Elementary Education, said.
Henke and her husband, Ryan, have lived in Alden for seven years and are very familiar with the Lancaster area. They have two young sons, 4-year-old Calvin and 6-month-old Wesley.
“I value building strong relationships with my students and staff. I am excited about getting to know the students and families in the district. I also have a background in art. It is so important to me that students have a well-rounded education and that we are nurturing the whole child. I hope to be able to bring some of my creative side to William Street School.”
Henke’s first day was August 1.
The Lancaster School District employs approximately 970 professional and classified staff members. The faculty, staff and administration work together to provide a nurturing and supportive environment to maximize teaching and learning opportunities.
