The Pine Bush Central School District Board of Education has announced the appointment of Brian P. Dunn as its new superintendent of schools. The school board was expected to make an official appointment at Tuesday night’s meeting.

“Brian Dunn is a proven leader and we are thrilled that he will be bringing his leadership and vision here to Pine Bush,” said Gretchen Meier, president of the Pine Bush Central School District Board of Education. “He values collaboration and relationship building, key components in providing a challenging, effective educational program for our students. His infectious enthusiasm was a draw for everyone. We believe he is a great fit for our community and we look forward to welcoming him to Pine Bush.”

“I am deeply honored to join the team and was drawn to the Pine Bush School District for its strong reputation and the beautiful rural surroundings,” said Mr. Dunn, who is a self-described passionate trail and mountain runner, fly fisher and reader of history. “I am excited to listen and learn about the history and culture of the district and community.”

The board’s decision to name Dunn the Pine Bush superintendent came after an extensive search conducted in partnership with Orange-Ulster BOCES.
“The search process involved the input of the whole community,” said Interim Superintendent Donna Geidel. “I truly believe we chose the best person for this job. Brian Dunn is an excellent selection and will be a great leader of the Pine Bush School District team.”

Geidel was appointed as interim superintendent in January after the death of Superintendent Tim Mains on Dec. 30. 2021. Mains led the Pine Bush district for close to five years.

Dunn has served as superintendent of Middleburgh Central School District for the past four years. During his time in Middleburgh, he points to the collaborative efforts of the entire team that improved student outcomes and created a stronger sense of belonging and purpose in the school culture and improved school-home partnerships.

“During my four years as Middleburgh’s superintendent, the entire district has worked together to elevate our instructional, arts, athletics and extracurricular programs,” said Dunn. “We implemented innovative Covid learning loss measures in the form of advisory and skill building classes for every student, and in-person and virtual tutoring opportunities for additional support. These measures have helped our students recover lost ground with academics and relationships. We also made significant strides in creating a school community that’s more inclusive while actively breaking down barriers to close the digital divide.”

The results have been substantial. The district’s high school went from being a school in need of improvement to the 12th best regional high school, according to U.S. News & World Report.

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve, learn and grow alongside so many wonderful and dedicated people,” Dunn said. Dunn graduated from the College of Saint Rose and has a master’s degree from the University at Albany. His wife, Laurel, is a second grade teacher in Troy city schools. They have three children: Declan 16, Oisin 12, and Vivi 11.

He started his career in education as an English teacher in the City School District of Albany. He served with the Troy City School District for 12 years as a middle school principal and high school assistant principal before going to lead Middleburgh. He was named the Capital Area School Development Association’s Principal of the Year in 2015.

He will begin his tenure on July 1, 2022.

“I am eager to begin working with the Pine Bush Board of Education to learn how I am to be of service in continuing a legacy of excellence and furthering the strategic goals of the district,” said Mr. Dunn. “In the coming months, I look forward to earning the trust of the community. My door is always open and I welcome input and feedback. Thank you for choosing me to lead the wonderful Pine Bush School District.”