Posted Wednesday, July 7, 2021
The Walton Central School District Board of Education approved Melanie Hector as the next principal at Townsend Elementary during the July 6 meeting.
Hector will start in the position July 26. 
Beginning her career in education at the Monticello Central School District, Hector spent seven years teaching second and fifth grades. In 2013, she moved into a role as an instructional coach, where she modeled lessons, coached instructional pedagogy, and provided professional development opportunities for teachers to improve skills and, in turn, improve the academic performance of students.
During that time, she also worked closely with district administration to align the curriculum to meet state regulations and district goals. During this time, Hector also received the Mid-Hudson Study Council’s Teach Excellence Award.
In 2017, she became the assistant principal at George L. Cooke Elementary, where she worked with families, community agencies, teachers, and students to achieve their best academic goals. In that position, Hector also coordinated the Empire After School Program.
“Ms. Hector comes to the district with an extensive amount of educational experience and a matching "students first" philosophy,” Walton CSD Superintendent Dr. Michael MacDonald said. “We look forward to having her join the WCS team.”
Hector said this is a natural step in her career and she is excited for the opportunity to join the Walton community and support the district’s initiatives and goals.