Welcome to Kelly M. Zimmerman, Superintendent of Dansville Central Schools

"As educators, we have a responsibility to prepare today’s learners to face challenges in a future that is rapidly changing and evolving regardless of background or ability.  Tomorrow’s workplace will value individuals who can demonstrate complex problem-solving skills, critical and innovative thinking, the ability to collaborate and coordinate in teams, interface with various forms of technology, capitalize on relationships, and engage in divergent thinking. Therefore, we have an obligation to create educational systems that develop the skills our students will need, enabling them to be successful whether they choose a pathway to college or workforce careers."

Mrs. Zimmerman entered the field of education as a substitute teacher.  In an effort to understand the science behind teaching and learning, and to reach as many students as possible, she became a school psychologist.  After fifteen years, she became a school administrator where she served in building and district level positions, culminating in the superintendency for the past four years.  Kelly prioritizes relationships and feels it is important to know one another beyond their work life – their personal values and interests – in order to best serve others. 

Kelly and her husband Bob have five children. Four are adults and one is still in college.  She believes in putting family first and has focused on raising their children to be kind, service-oriented, contributing members of their community.  They enjoy many outdoor activities including camping, hiking, hunting, and sports. They coached their children in youth sports leagues and were active in scouting. Kelly was raised in Hornell, and still has family residing there.

"I was raised in, live in, and have spent the majority of my administrative career serving in a rural community.  I have actively advocated for the needs that are unique to rural schools with a focus on preserving our lifestyle while expanding opportunities for our students to ensure equity in programming to prepare them to enter our evolving global society.  In rural districts, the school is the hub of the community.  We must not only meet the needs of students, but also those of their families and community as a whole."

Kelly believes that teaching and learning must be personal and individualized.  Curricular and instructional decisions must be informed by multiple sources of data.  Professional development must be relevant, focused, engaging, sustained, and model innovative instructional strategies.  Technology must be used as a tool to enhance instruction, accelerate this way of teaching and learning, and provide access to vast resources in a global society. 

She asserts that leadership and school culture lay the foundation for this transformational work in which the role of the superintendent becomes critical.  The Superintendent must be an effective leader across several domains with the ability to lead and affect instructional, financial, local, regional, and organizational forces and realms.  Across all areas of leadership, the superintendent must possess the ability to build trusting relationships with all stakeholders while establishing clear goals, communicating roles and responsibilities in achieving the goals, providing targeted feedback, and holding others accountable along the way; all while managing multiple daily demands and maintaining a constant focus on doing what is best for students and the district.  

Kelly's administrative roles have included Superintendent, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Special Education and Student Services, Building Principal, Assistant Principal, and Assistant Director of Special Education. She has extensive experience in planning and managing budgets as well as experience with rural school district challenges and opportunities.

She is an active advocate for the needs that are unique to rural schools and serves on the Executive Board of Directors of the Rural Schools Association of New York State.  She believes that in rural areas, the school serves as the heart of the community and must not only meet the needs of students, but also those of their families and community as a whole.  Partnering with the community to support the schools is a key objective. 

Kelly believes in leading by example.  She says, "Establishing relationships, rapport, and trust takes investment, belief in others, consistency, and time.  I am committed to building, strengthening and maintaining a positive climate and culture.  Through times of both prosperity and challenge, I have served as a stabilizing agent, consistently modeling integrity, optimism, commitment, and remaining forward-focused.  The superintendent sets the tone through modeling, reflecting the district’s values, and leading by example. While it is important to celebrate successes along the way, it is through a relentless pursuit of improvement and “taking the next step” that we experience greatness."

"I offer dedication and commitment to ensuring that the District experiences continuous success in all areas and engages in innovative instructional approaches and professional development of our faculty and staff.  This will occur while maintaining important traditions and identity, educating the whole child while prioritizing community engagement and partnerships now and into the future."

As a Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Director of Special Education, Principal, and School Psychologist, she gained significant experience in models of classroom instruction, teaching and learning, special education, curriculum alignment and development, clinical supervision for teacher growth, and teaching at the post-secondary level.

Kelly is eager to join our school community and is looking forward to meeting with stakeholders and getting to know our community.  Please join us in welcoming our new superintendent, Kelly Zimmerman to Dansville!

From the Superintendent 7/1/2024
Kelly M. Zimmerman