Meet The 3 Newest Leaders At The Katonah-Lewisboro School District

KATONAH-LEWISBORO, NY — The Katonah-Lewisboro School District has formally approved the appointment of 3 individuals in key leadership positions.

The new chiefs of Facilities, Special Services and Curriculum & Instruction will begin their new positions this month.

Katonah-Lewisboro School’s Board of Education approved the appointment of the three new leaders at its April 25 meeting. Julia D. Drake was named Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Mike Lavoie was appointed Director of Facilities and Meagan Sullivan was hired as Director of Special Services .

"These leaders impressed us with their knowledge and enthusiasm,” Superintendent Andrew Selesnick said. "Meagan Sullivan and Julia Drake are eager to continue the work of providing our students with ever more engaging and meaningful educational experiences. Mike Lavoie will continue to provide leadership in providing daily care for our campuses and supporting the district in moving forward with work of the bond project."

The school district introduced the newest leaders at the most recent school board meeting.

Dr. Julia Drake, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

For the past twelve years, Dr. Drake has served as the Principal of Springhurst Elementary School in the Dobbs Ferry School District. While guiding her school of more than 700 students, she led curriculum reviews and innovations that included but were not limited to ELA, math, science and SEL.

"She is a dedicated and beloved leader in Dobbs Ferry where she has worked closely with colleagues at all levels of the district," said Superintendent Selesnick.

"It is my honor to join the Katonah-Lewisboro School District and become a member of this highly regarded school community," said Dr. Drake. "I consider it a privilege to be a part of this team and am eager to work to help advance the district goals and continue to propel the district forward."

Previously, Dr. Drake was the principal of P.S. 147 Isaac Remsen School in Brooklyn. Before becoming an administrator, Dr. Drake began her career as a special education teacher. Following degrees earned in Political Science and Elementary Education, Dr. Drake received her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership through Manhattanville College. This past year, she has been a participant in the Advanced Education Policy Leadership Program through Columbia University, with a focus on high school graduation requirements.

Dr. Drake replaces Dr. Mary Ford, who is retiring; she joins Katonah-Lewisboro School District on July 1, 2023.

Mike Lavoie, Director of Facilities

"For the past 25 years, Mike Lavoie has been an exemplary employee in our school district," said Superintendent Selesnick. "Most recently, and for eight years, he has served as the Foreperson in our Operations and Maintenance Department, working side-by-side with Paul Christensen, our current Director of Facilities, who is retiring this year. Lavoie is well regarded and well-liked by all who know and work with him. He is a knowledgeable, skillful, and dedicated leader who will guide our facilities forward with care and attention, so that our schools continue to be places in which our students and colleagues are happy to learn and work."

"I am excited and grateful for this opportunity to continue to build upon the work Paul Christensen and I have done together over the past eight years," said Lavoie. "This year, our department will work together with the architect and construction management team supporting the success of the upcoming bond projects. We are committed to maintaining the buildings and grounds, ensuring the O&M team serves the district with a level of pride and enthusiasm deserved by all."

Lavoie’s new position begins May 5, 2023.

Meagan Sullivan, Director of Special Services

Sullivan currently serves as an administrator for Elementary Special Education & the Committee on Preschool Special Education in the Mahopac Central School District, where she has worked since 2020. Previously, she was tenured as the Director of Pupil Personnel Services in the Port Jervis School District. Sullivan received her education through SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Albany, and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and she began her career as a special education teacher.

"Throughout the search process, she impressed those she met with her deep care for children, her knowledge of the appropriate services and regulations, and her enthusiasm for the work of supporting all children," said Superintendent Selesnick.

"I am very excited to join the Katonah-Lewisboro learning community!" said Sullivan. "I am so impressed with the caliber of people I have met and look forward to working with Ms. Casabona and the team to continue building strong programs for our students with disabilities. My goals include learning the community and culture of Katonah-Lewisboro and building relationships rooted in trust."

Sullivan fills a position that has been open since February 2023; she joins Katonah-Lewisboro School District on June 5, 2023.