Valley Central School District (VCSD) is proud to announce the appointment of Kara Raap as the new principal of Berea Elementary School effective July 1, 2024. With 24 years in education, Ms. Raap makes an excellent addition to the VCSD leadership team.
Most recently, Ms. Raap served as the assistant principal of Presidential Park Elementary School in the Middletown Enlarged City School District, overseeing all operational responsibilities for a sizable staff and student population. Prior to that, she served as a classroom teacher for 19 years in the Port Jervis City School District, where she taught fifth grade and Math Academic Intervention Services (AIS).
“My passion for education and commitment to fostering a rich, inclusive, and engaging learning environment are at the heart of my educational philosophy,” said Ms. Raap. “I am dedicated to ensuring that each and every child at Berea Elementary feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential, and I am eager to engage with families, which is vital to the success of our students and the Berea community.”
Ms. Raap holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the State University of New York at Oneonta, as well as a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from the New York Institute of Technology. In addition, she received certification from Long Island University in Educational Leadership in 2011.
“Under Ms. Raap’s leadership, I anticipate the students at Berea Elementary School will thrive as they are encouraged to reach high levels of success,” said Superintendent Evette Avila. “We’re excited to see what she’ll accomplish in this role!”