Greenville elementary principal departing for Bethlehem

GREENVILLE―After two years at Scott M. Ellis Elementary School, Principal Matthew Urban is departing to accept a principal position at Bethlehem Central High School.

Greenville Central School District Interim Superintendent Todd Hilgendorff made the announcement on Friday, thanking Urban “for being a catalyst for positive change at the elementary school.”

“He has enhanced many aspects of our school community, and we’re grateful for his positive energy, immense talent, and strong leadership,” Hilgendorff said.

According to the Bethlehem Central School District, Urban’s new position “marks a return home.”

Prior to coming to Greenville in April of 2024, Urban spent nine years in the Bethlehem schools, including two years as a special education teacher and seven years at Eagle Elementary School, where he taught special education and fourth and fifth grade.

He and his wife also have three sons attending Bethlehem schools.

“The people,” said Urban, when asked what excites him most about returning. “Reconnecting with the faculty, staff and students after being away for a few years. I have had outstanding school leaders as mentors in Bethlehem and in Greenville, and I hope to be able to take what they’ve given me and pay it forward as part of an outstanding BCHS community.”

He begins the new role on July 1.

“This transition will be a significant change for our school. Mr. Urban’s impact on students and staff has been profound, and he will be greatly missed,” said Hilgendorff. “While we are sad to see him go, we are excited for him as he begins this next chapter and know he will continue to make a positive difference in his new role.”

The elementary principal position will be posted on Monday and Hilgendorff said the district’s goal is to hire someone before the new school year begins in September.

The board of education will also be searching for a new high school principal to replace Kristy Goergen.

Goergen, who came to Greenville in 2021, will be moving on as the Cohoes City School District high school principal effective July 1.