Office of Human Resources
Mission & Vision
The Office of Human Resources is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for faculty and staff. It is the vision of the Office of Human Resources to:
Enable a thriving learning environment by attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional educators, and staff dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student in the district.
Create a safe and inclusive work environment that values the unique contributions of every employee. We are committed to removing barriers, promoting equity, and fostering a workplace where everyone can flourish personally and professionally.
Commit to building a compassionate and inclusive educational community, our mission is to recruit, support and inspire a diverse team of professionals who patiently contribute to the success and development of every student.
Lead with empathy and integrity, creating a work environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all. We aim to empower every employee by recognizing their unique strengths and fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and respect.
The Human Resources Department is responsible for the standard personnel office operations covering the recruitment and hiring of all staff, the maintenance of all employee records, and management of employee benefits. This office also handles labor relations covering both the bargaining of employee contracts and all related contract administrative activities.
The Schenectady City School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race or gender. This policy is in compliance with the Title IX of the Education amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Regulations and Bylaws of the Board of Education of the Schenectady City School District.
Are you interested in joining the Schenectady team?
UPCOMING RECRUITMENT EVENTS
Meet the Human Resources Team
Shannon Tahoe
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources & Professional Learning
Shannon Tahoe is the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Professional Learning. She joined Schenectady after her tenure as General Counsel at the Capital Region BOCES, where she was also a key member of the Executive Leadership Team. In this role, Shannon closely collaborated with district superintendents across New York State, addressing a broad range of issues.
Before her engagement at BOCES, Shannon held the position of Interim Commissioner and President of the University of the State of New York. During her tenure, she managed the oversight of an extensive network comprising nearly 700 school districts with 3.2 million students, 7,000 libraries, 900 museums, and oversight of over 50 professions with nearly 900,000 licensees, all amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shannon's earlier career includes a variety of roles at the New York State Education Department, where she served as Deputy Counsel and Assistant Counsel for Legislative Affairs, showcasing her deep understanding and expertise in education and human resources.
Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, from the University of Rochester, and a Juris Doctorate, Magna Cum Laude, from Syracuse University. Shannon is a licensed attorney. She is currently furthering her education in the field of educational leadership through the Master’s in Education program at Niagara University.
Katelin Pugliese
Assistant District Director of Human Resources
Katelin Pugliese serves as the Assistant Director of Human Resources, with over a decade of invaluable experience in school district Human Resources. Her academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from The College of Saint Rose and a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from Stony Brook University.
Katelin started her career in Human Resources with the City School District of Albany, where she worked for five years, continuing to gain experience working as the Human Resources Coordinator in Niskayuna Central School District for more than 3 year, before coming to Schenectady as the Assistant Director of HR.
With a wealth of experience in overseeing HR functions within school districts, Katelin possesses a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in educational institutions. She is deeply committed to developing and implementing HR practices that align seamlessly with our District’s objectives while ensuring compliance with regulations. As an HR professional, helping employees thrive and succeed is at the core of her beliefs. By providing support, guidance, and resources, she strives to help create a positive and empowering work environment where employees can reach their full potential.
Sandra Coleman
Senior Human Resources Specialist
Sandy Coleman serves as the Senior Human Resources Specialist. Sandy's primary responsibilities revolve around overseeing the Paraprofessional/Teaching Assistant, Operations & Maintenance, Secretarial/Nurse/COTA, Safety, Middle Managers Association, and Management/Confidential employee groups. However, her versatile knowledge allows her to assist employees in various areas.
Prior to joining the Schenectady City School District, Sandy dedicated 14 years to Local Government HR administration, holding prominent positions in the City of Albany Human Resources & Civil Service Office and Schoharie County Personnel & Civil Service Office. Sandy is driven by a passion for developing strategies and initiatives to address both business and personal challenges, drawing on her robust background in Civil Service Administration.
With an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Schenectady County Community College and professional certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Sandy's pursuits extend beyond the professional realm, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
Jenny Fink
Human Resources Specialist
Jenny Fink serves as the Human Resource Specialist, primarily working with certified employees. Jenny is a dedicated and passionate professional, who obtained her Associates degree in Health Information Management at Hudson Valley. Starting her journey in November 2018 as an HR administrative assistant with the Schenectady City School District, she has since evolved into the role of a Human Resources Specialist. Jenny's commitment to helping people navigate various life transitions, such as new jobs, marriages, children, and other changes, reflecting her compassionate and friendly nature.
Before joining the school district, Jenny spent a decade at Albany Medical Center, where she worked as a receptionist and referral coordinator. Having called Schenectady her home for 24 years, Jenny is deeply rooted in the community. Jenny's multifaceted background, community engagement, and commitment to wellness make her a valuable asset to both her workplace and the broader Schenectady community.
Jenna Fretto
Human Resources Specialist
Jenna Fretto (Mancari) serves as the Human Resources Specialist, bringing nearly two years of dedicated service to the Schenectady City School District. A proud alumni of Stony Brook University, Jenna earned her Master's Degree in Human Resources Management, marking the inception of her flourishing career. Opting to embark on this journey with the Schenectady City School District, Jenna's choice was not merely professional but also personal.
Her connection to the district runs deep, influenced by familial ties, as Jenna chose to join the same educational community where her mother had served as a Science Teacher for an impressive tenure of over 30 years. This unique blend of academic prowess, professional commitment, and a sentimental connection underscores Jenna's valuable contributions to our Human Resources team and the Schenectady community at large.
Jaslyn Rikhi
Human Resources Assistant
Jaslyn Rikhi serves as the Human Resources Assistant within the Schenectady City School District, assuming her role in June 2023. Jaslyn plays a pivotal role in providing comprehensive support to teachers and managing an array of responsibilities, which include overseeing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests.
Jaslyn is an alumni of University at Albany, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Finance and Management. Prior to working with the district, Jaslyn worked with the Department of Health, illustrating resilience in overcoming the adversities presented by the pandemic. In her current role, Jaslyn actively collaborates with teachers, responding to queries and extending assistance as necessary. This commitment highlights her focus on creating a welcoming and supportive working environment.
Jenna Quimby
Human Resources Administrative Assistant
Jenna Quimby serves as a committed Administrative Assistant within the Human Resources department. Originally from Auburn, New York, Jenna relocated to the Capital Region in 2020.
Before joining the district, Jenna gained valuable experience at St. Catherine's Center for Children, where she held various administrative and office management positions. Throughout her career, Jenna has consistently sought roles that allow her to positively impact the lives of others.
Jenna serves as the primary point of contact for Human Resources inquiries. Jenna efficiently directs employees to the appropriate team members, coordinates meetings, maintains employee records, and ensures a welcoming atmosphere where employees can access timely and accurate information.
Office of Human Resources
530 Liberty St. Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 370 -8100 Option 3
8:00 - 4:30 p.m.