The Malone Central School District Board of Education appointed Jennifer Hathaway as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11. She began in this role on Monday, Mar. 10.
As a North Country native from Lawrenceville, N.Y., she has served in the Malone CSD for 25 years. Ms. Hathaway understands the needs of the district and has developed the tools to work collaboratively with stakeholders to assist the school community in reaching its full potential. “I value every experience that has helped me learn more about our students and school community,” Hathaway said. Her most recent position was as the assistant principal at Davis Elementary, which she commenced during the 2024-25 school year.
Previously, Ms. Hathaway has held various science teaching positions in the district since 2000 that include biology for ninth and tenth graders with special education consultation classes, environmental science for eleventh and twelfth graders, sixth grade science with the focus being earth science, and life and physical science for seventh grade. Other notable achievements throughout her career includes serving as part time dean of students in 2021, serving on MTSS and SIC committees, attending state and national science conferences, organizing and presenting professional development opportunities, coaching varsity swimming, establishing swimming and lacrosse clubs, and arranging, coordinating and directing a NYS certified five-week summer day camp for students in grades pre-k through sixth. Furthermore, Ms. Hathaway was the park director for the Malone Recreation Park for six years.
“I have worked alongside Ms. Hathaway as a science teacher and building principal at Franklin Academy and am thrilled to welcome her onto the district leadership team,” said Superintendent of Schools Brandon Pelkey, “She brings a breadth of knowledge and has created meaningful relationships that will allow her continued success in growing as a leader and helping our students flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.”
“I am excited for the opportunity to apply the knowledge I have gained through my experiences to support the MCSD school community,” said Hathaway, “I look forward to utilizing my strengths to continue to celebrate and expand on our shared successes while increasing educational opportunities and working to achieve district goals.”
As an undergraduate student, Ms. Hathaway initially enrolled at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) as a biology major, with aspirations of becoming a research scientist. While she does love science and enjoys research, the idea of working for hours in a windowless lab was not exactly the career path she envisioned for herself. During her time at RIT, she competed on the swim team, which provided her the opportunity to coach a local club team in Rochester before founding her own summer swim club. Coaching, watching the progression of her athletes, and memories of her mother’s passion as a chemistry teacher were instrumental in sparking her interest to pursue a master’s degree in education.
Ms. Hathaway holds a bachelor of arts degree in biology and Master of Science in Teaching degree in adolescence education: science from SUNY Potsdam. She anticipates receiving her school district leader certificate in 2025, also from SUNY Potsdam.
A graduate from Brasher Falls Central School District, she is a current resident of Malone. Ms. Hathaway values the close knit community and enjoys being outdoors as much as possible. Finding pleasure in hiking, kayaking, swimming, running and skiing, she takes advantage of all the North Country offers.