GJSD Superintendent of Schools Alicia D. Koster announced the appointment of longtime educator Andrea Polikoski as principal of Warren Street Elementary School, where she will oversee students in grades 2 through 4. The appointment, effective July 1, was approved at the District’s Board of Education meeting Wednesday, May 20.
Polikoski joins the Johnstown district after serving this year as K-5 principal at Glen Worden Elementary School in the Scotia-Glenville Central School District. The school is scheduled to close at the end of the academic year as part of a district downsizing plan.
“We are thrilled to welcome Andrea Polikoski to the Johnstown school community,” Koster said. “She is a highly respected and experienced educational leader who brings a tremendous depth of knowledge, strong instructional leadership, a student-centered mindset and a proven track record of success. Her deep understanding of academic standards, data-driven instruction, and ability to cultivate a welcoming and cohesive school community will make her an outstanding addition to our district leadership team as we continue expanding academic programs and opportunities for all GJSD students.”
“I moved frequently as a child, but some of my most meaningful years were spent in small towns like Johnstown,” Polikoski said. “As I learned more about the district, I was impressed by the talent and dedication of Johnstown’s leadership team, the incredible staff and the strong systems already in place. It became clear to me that Johnstown is poised for greatness, and I’ve been looking for an opportunity to bring my passion and experience to a community like this throughout my career.”
“I loved my time in the classroom, but stepping into a leadership role has allowed me to support students on an even broader level by ensuring staff and families have the resources they need for every child to succeed,” she said. “Creating a school environment where students feel safe, supported and excited to learn is incredibly important to me. I’m looking forward to meeting members of the school community, building strong relationships and working together to help every child thrive.”
Before joining Scotia-Glenville, Polikoski spent 10 years as PK-6 principal at Schoharie Elementary School. Prior to becoming a principal, she served as supervisor of instruction at Hamilton Elementary School in the Schenectady City School District, where she focused on improving teaching quality, curriculum implementation and student achievement. She also worked as the school’s teaching and learning coach, partnering with teachers on professional development initiatives designed to improve student achievement.
Polikoski began her career in education as a classroom teacher, teaching prekindergarten, third grade and fourth grade. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in English from the State University of New York at Oswego. She later received a master’s degree in educational psychology and a school building leadership certification from The College of Saint Rose.
Polikoski is married to her husband, Ray, who serves in a leadership role with Special Olympics New York, an organization that provides year-round Olympic-style athletic opportunities for differently abled children and adults. Together, they have two sons, Brayden, 15, and Grayson, 13.
Polikoski said she loves attending her sons’ sporting events and, in her free time, enjoys kayaking, reading, hiking and baking. She starts each day with yoga and ends it with reading.