• Michael Harkin was appointed the next principal of Columbia High School’s at a special Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. Photo: Courtesy Of Columbia High School
Photo: Courtesy Of Columbia High School
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Michael Harkin was appointed the next principal of Columbia High School’s at a special Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017.
Michael Harkin was appointed the next principal of Columbia High School’s at a special Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017.
Photo: Courtesy Of Columbia High School

East Greenbush

Michael Harkin was appointed as Columbia High School's new principal at a Board of Education meeting on Wednesday.

Harkin, currently the principal of Knickerbacker Middle School in Troy, will start on Dec. 29 and visit the high school several times before assuming the job.

He succeeds Principal John Sawchuk, who is retiring on Jan. 1.

"I'm really looking forward to getting to work," Harkin said in a statement. "I want to thank the Board of Education, Superintendent (Jeff) Simons and the interview committee for giving me this opportunity."

Harkin has 12 years of experience as a principal and athletic director and has served as principal of Knickerbacker since 2014. Before joining the middle school, he was the director of physical education and athletics at the Lansingburgh school district for seven years and director of athletics at the Brunswick (Brittonkill) school district for two years.

He began his career in education as a physical education teacher at Thomas O'Brien Elementary School in Albany in 1999. He holds a bachelor's degree in physical education from Canisius College in Buffalo and and a master's degree in educational administration from The College of Saint Rose in Albany.

"Mr. Harkin has a record of success and background in educational leadership which will enable Columbia High School to ensure all of our graduates are college and career ready," said Simons.

miszler@timesunion.com • 518-454-5018 • @madisoniszler