by Bea Peterson
“I love middle school and high school,” said Steven Leunig. “Here at Hoosick Falls I have the best of both worlds.” He is the new principal of the Middle and High School. “I also like small towns where the school is the focal point of the community,” he added. Leunig taught school on Long Island for 21 years.
He and his wife and children moved to Maine where he taught for seven years. “We loved it,” he said. “It was like one long vacation.”
With their children in college, one at the University of Southern Maine majoring in Education and the other majoring in Business at SUNY New Paltz, the couple decided they wanted to come back to New York state. Last year Leunig was principal of Granville Junior/Senior High School.
Size-wise he said HFCS is just right; not too big, not too small. “I’ll have a chance to get to know all the kids.” He is looking forward to working with all the teachers, especially the new ones. “There are so many good things I’ve learned over the years that I will do what I can to share these things with others,” he said.
Leunig attended SUNY Oswego and Hofstra University and completed his Administrative Program at the College of New Rochelle. He began his career as a shop teacher. Music is a big part of his life. He plays trumpet, guitar, bass and sings. He favors 60s music. He is a member of two bands, one in Wilton and the other in Whitehall. His wife is a member of the Sweet Adelines. He has heard all about the wonderful musicals the students have performed in the past and he can’t wait to see what they are going to do this year.
“I’m moving down but moving up,” said Patrick Dailey. “It’s exciting.” This year he is the new Elementary School Principal. Last year he was Assistant Principal at the Middle and High School. Dailey’s seven year teaching career has been at HFCS. He has taught Earth Science, Chemistry, Forensics and AP US History. In 2004 the Honor Society recognized him as their Teacher of the Year.
Dailey has a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Anthropology and Environmental Education from SUNY Plattsburg. Teaching at the high school level made him the family “black sheep,” he said. “Most of my family worked in elementary schools. My Mom has been an elementary teacher for 35 years.” He has sisters in Lake Placid and Norwood, NY, a brother in Utica and another sister in Mexico City.
Dailey enjoys traveling, woodworking and playing guitar. He has been JV girls soccer coach for several years. This year he is co-coach of the team with Lisa Ferrannini. He lives in Hoosick, about a mile from the Soccer Fields.
Dailey feels the strength he brings to his new position is the experience he has gained teaching in the higher grades. “I know where these younger students have to be to achieve success later. I know the goal we’re shooting for,” he said.