Schoharie Elementary School has a new principal.
The Schoharie CSD Board of Education on Tuesday, May 19, voted unanimously to appoint Laura Iseman. She will start July 1, 2026 and take over from Interim Principal Shelley Baldwin-Nye.
Iseman is currently an assistant principal at Central Park Middle School in Schenectady City School District and will finish the current school year there. Prior to that she held leadership and teaching positions at KIPP Tech Valley Middle School in Albany. Iseman holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Education:Adolescent Education, both from The College of St. Rose.
“I am honored to step into the role of Elementary Principal and serve the wonderful Schoharie school community. I am especially drawn to this position because it mirrors the close-knit community where I was raised in the Schoharie Valley, giving me a deep understanding of the unique strengths and interconnected relationships between families, staff, and students,” Iseman said. “Growing up in this environment shaped my core belief that schools serve as the heart of the community, requiring strong partnerships, clear communication, and mutual respect. I am fully committed to honoring your rich traditions while passionately preparing our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world and keeping the focus on doing what is good for our students as our highest priority.”
The search committee included Board of Education members and stakeholders from the Elementary School community.
“We’re grateful for the work the search committee did this spring. Laura Iseman was an exceptional candidate for the principal role. Her familiarity with the community and keen insight toward relationship-building will help move the Elementary School forward into the 2026-27 school year,” Superintendent David M. Blanchard. “Please welcome Laura to our school community. We’re looking forward to many great things at the Elementary next year and the foundation for that will be laid this summer.”