DCS is happy to introduce the greater Duanesburg community to our four new teaching staff members at Duanesburg Jr.-Sr. High School. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to these talented educators—we’re thrilled to have them on board and look forward to a fantastic school year ahead.
- Haley Wanser – HS library media specialist
- Sean Rickert – HS social studies
- Robert Bento – 6th grade ELA
Mrs. Haley Wanser, library media specialist
Mrs. Haley Wanser is a familiar face at DCS, and this year she steps into a new role as the library media specialist at Duanesburg Jr.-Sr. High School. Over the summer, she married her husband, Aaron—students may remember her as Ms. Duffy prior to her marriage.
The Wansers have two children: Oakley, a second grader, and Lorelei, who just started kindergarten. The family also includes their beloved dog, Roku, who Mrs. Wanser proudly calls “the best puppy.”
She earned her degree from Empire State University and is currently continuing her education through Syracuse University.
In her free time, Mrs. Wanser enjoys baking and reading, and her family loves hiking and kayaking together. “I like to say I’m a hobby hopper because I enjoy just about any crafty hobby at any given time,” she shared.
Originally from Florida and raised near Richmond, Virginia, Mrs. Wanser has called New York home for the past four years—and she loves it.
“I fell in love with this small, family-like community last year and am beyond grateful to explore that even more in my new role,” she said. “I can’t wait to dive into the world of books and share that with our students.”
Mr. Sean Rickert, 7-12 social studies teacher
Mr. Sean Rickert has joined the Duanesburg Central School District this year as a social studies teacher for grades 7–12. A proud DCS alumnus, Mr. Rickert grew up in the Duanesburg community and graduated from Duanesburg High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from The College of Saint Rose and is currently on track to complete his Master’s degree at SUNY Albany by the end of this year.
Outside the classroom, Mr. Rickert enjoys coaching, watching football, listening to music, and reading non-fiction history books.
When asked what excites him most about returning to DCS, he shared: “Giving the same positive experiences and opportunities I was afforded during my time as an Eagle.”
Mr. Rob Bento, 6th grade ELA
Mr. Rob Bento is the district’s new 6th grade English teacher, based at the Jr.-Sr. High School. He joins the 6th grade team as students begin their first year under newly reconfigured class assignments—part of the district’s broader plans to develop a true middle school model in the near future.
Mr. Bento attended Colgate University in upstate New York, where he majored in English and minored in Film and Media Studies. Originally from Smithtown, Long Island, he recently relocated to Lake Luzerne.
In his free time, Mr. Bento enjoys hiking, running, rowing, reading, writing, and practicing yoga. A fun fact: he hiked over 200 miles this past summer!
When asked what he’s most looking forward to at DCS, he shared: “Getting to know the students and learning to use the school library.”