Duanesburg Central School District’s Board of Education appointed Ms. Kristi LaBarge as the new principal for Duanesburg Elementary School at a public meeting on Wednesday, May 28. She will succeed Mrs. Andrea Conover, who has served as DES principal for 13 years and will retire at the end of this current school year, concluding a distinguished 30-year career in education. Ms. LaBarge will start her duties as principal on July 1, 2025.
Her appointment is part of the district’s ongoing efforts to build strong relationships and maintain a positive culture within the community, aligning with DCS Superintendent Kimberly Ross’ commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
“After several rounds of interviews with myself and interview teams consisting of staff, teachers, students, and community members, Ms. LaBarge rose to the top of the list from a pool of very talented and qualified applicants,” said Ross. “Her enthusiasm, joy, and passion for students are palpable, and I believe she will be a perfect fit to lead Duanesburg Elementary into the next generation.”
Ms. LaBarge is a dedicated educator with extensive experience in both classroom instruction and educational leadership. She spent the last decade serving the Ichabod Crane Central School District in Valatie, New York, in a variety of roles, including Third Grade Teacher Leader, K–5 Social Studies Curriculum Leader, and district Title 1 Coordinator. Her well-rounded experience includes co-teaching alongside both Special Education and English as a New Language (ENL) teachers. As a Teacher Leader, Ms. LaBarge led initiatives in implementing new math and ELA programs, and worked collaboratively with colleagues to evaluate past state test data and identify areas for instructional improvement.
Ms. LaBarge expressed her eagerness to join the DCS community and highlighted the unique advantages of working in a small, rural school district. “I’ve worked in a small community district for the past decade, and there’s just something magical about it. The relationships go deeper, the connections are stronger, and everything feels more personal. Duanesburg seems to have that same heart—and from what I’ve already seen, I wasn’t wrong.”
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Childhood Education with a concentration in Mathematics from SUNY Oneonta, and a Master of Science in Literacy from SUNY Albany. She earned her school leadership certifications from SUNY Albany and holds NYS professional certifications in Childhood Education 1-6, Early Childhood BR, and Literacy B-6. She is originally from Latham, NY and is a graduate of Shaker High School.
Outside of work, LaBarge said she loves spending time with friends and family, including her parents, sister and soon-to-be brother in law. She also said she’s “loving the role of ‘Auntie’” to her “friends’ growing squads of tiny humans.” She played field hockey, soccer and lacrosse growing up and as an adult, likes to stay active through strength training and getting in her daily steps. She also loves to read and enjoys relaxing with a good book on her Kindle.
“What I’m most looking forward to is getting to know the people who make Duanesburg what it is—students, staff, families, and community members,” LaBarge said. I believe that the heart of a school is built through relationships, and taking the time to truly listen and connect is where the most meaningful and impactful work begins. I’m excited to learn about the traditions, the values, and the day-to-day moments that matter most to the people here, and to find my place alongside them.”