They’re usually the first people you will talk to when you call the special education office. And even if they aren’t the reason you called, secretaries Bobbi Harris and Zoe Stevens are definitely the reason why your questions are answered without any hassle.
“I’d say the most rewarding part of our job is being a part of a team that works hard to support all of our students’ needs,” said Mrs. Stevens. “We may not directly help students as we are not in the buildings where they attend school, but we make sure their paperwork is in order and that educators have access to student records needed for them to provide the proper services for each individual student.”
Mrs. Harris serves as secretary to Director of Pupil Personnel Services Becky Vanderklish, and deals with all out-of-district students, along with budgeting and office management.
“Bobbi is amazing,” said Mrs. Vanderklish. “She’s always positive and eager to help. She is a lifelong learner and can adapt to every changing regulation in our office.”
Mrs. Stevens, meanwhile, reports directly to Assistant Director Michelle Aleva. She focuses her duties on managing preschoolers and all in-district students K-12, along with scheduling CSE meetings, reviewing IEPs for accuracy, and making sure they get mailed to parents in a timely fashion.
“Zoe is the quality control for the entire department,” said Mrs. Aleva. “She is hard working, incredibly organized, and keeps us all moving forward throughout the year.”
Mrs. Harris has been in the district for 24 years. When she’s not busy making everyone’s lives easier at the office, she loves spending time with her family, which includes two daughters and three grandchildren. She’s also a huge fan of crafting and decorating, and making sure the office is festive for all seasons.
Mrs Stevens has been in the district nearly as long as Mrs. Harris, with 22 years of service under her belt. She’s a South Glens Falls graduate who loves getting to spend time with her three children and three grandchildren. While she’s become a superhero in the office, her best skill might be crocheting, and she loves making baby sweaters and afghans to give out as gifts.
One thing is for certain: everyone in the district is better for having Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Stevens as secretaries.
“I couldn’t ask for anything more,” said Mrs. Vanderklish.
“I absolutely have no idea what we’d do without her,” said Mrs. Aleva.