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?

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Why Schenectady

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To create your free account, visit TeachNY.org

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.

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.

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.


MaryAnn Meyers

Recruitment and Retention Specialist

MaryAnn Meyers serves as the Recruitment and Retention Specialist within the Schenectady City School District, Human Resources Department. Originally from Guyana, South America, MaryAnn became a native of Schenectady in 2009. She attended Central Park Middle School and is a proud Schenectady High School Alumni. Thereafter, she attended Schenectady County Community College where she earned her Associate’s degree in Business Administration.

MaryAnn started her career in Human Resources at Trustco Bank and then at the City of Schenectady where she was the Human Resources Administrator for three years. With vast knowledge and experience in the HR field, MaryAnn is committed to ensuring that the district’s vision to increase equity and diversity within the workforce is abundantly exceeded. She understands the need to address specific areas of recruitment within the district and is dedicated to enhancing efforts to recruit and retain diverse candidates from all backgrounds and experience. She aims to continue creating and promoting a positive and healthy work environment for all employees district-wide.

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 certified staff 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 certified staff, responding to queries and extending assistance as necessary. This commitment highlights her focus on creating a welcoming and supportive working environment.

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.

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.

Mekkah Bergeron

Payroll and Human Resources Liaison

Mekkah is a proud graduate of Schenectady High School. Currently, she holds the position of Payroll and Human Resource liaison, having previously worked as the Senior Payroll Audit Clerk and Human Resources Assistant. In her role, Mekkah oversees the payroll department and facilitates communication between the Business Department and Human Resources.

Before joining the Schenectady City School District in 2019, Mekkah dedicated 15 years to the Golub Corporation/Market 32, where she held various positions, including Administrative Assistant for Store Operations, Account Clerk - Store Audit, and Payroll Clerk.

Mekkah earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Human Resources from Southern New Hampshire University. She has consistently demonstrated her dedication to her work. Her expertise in payroll and business management, combined with her ability to enhance communication between departments, has been vital in streamlining operations and boosting organizational efficiency. Mekkah is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace. 

Outside of her professional duties, Mekkah actively participates in community initiatives, offering her skills and time to local organizations that resonate with her values. Her enthusiasm for community service and her leadership abilities have garnered recognition from both peers and community members. Mekkah continually seeks opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally, welcoming new challenges with a positive outlook and an unwavering dedication to excellence. Her story exemplifies dedication, resilience, and a strong belief in the transformative power of education and teamwork to create meaningful change.

Suzanne Ibrahim

Assistant Payroll and Human Resources Liaison

Suzanne Ibrahim serves as an Assistant Payroll and Human Resources Liaison between the Human Resources and Payroll department. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Suzanne moved to the Capital Region in 2007 and remained a Schenectady local.

Suzanne graduated from the College of Saint Rose with a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Resource Management, summa cum laude. Suzanne began with the district in June of 2024 shortly after graduation as a contracted Human Resources Administrative Assistant and moved to her current Liaison position in October of the same year.  

Suzanne serves as a connection between payroll processing and HR functions, providing both employees and management with the support they need for effective workforce operations. Suzanne is the main point of contact for audit related inquiries, payroll discrepancies, and other HR and Payroll related general questions.


Office of Human Resources

530 Liberty St. Schenectady, NY 12305

(518) 370 -8100 Option 3

8:00 - 4:30 p.m.