Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Appoints New Superintendent

Dr. Christopher Abdoo named as the next leader of the school district

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:34am

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The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Board of Education has appointed Dr. Christopher Abdoo as the district's new superintendent. Abdoo, who currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, will take over the role on July 1 after the retirement of Dr. Patrick McGrath Jr., who has led the district for the past 14 years.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new superintendent is a significant event for any school district, as this role is responsible for providing strategic vision and operational leadership. Abdoo's extensive experience in public education and his deep knowledge of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake district make him well-positioned to build on the district's tradition of excellence.

The details

Dr. Christopher Abdoo has over 25 years of experience in public education, including serving as the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services in the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake district for the past 14 years. In this role, he has overseen the district's non-instructional personnel, facilities, transportation, finance, and other key operational areas. Abdoo was selected for the superintendent position after an extensive search process following the retirement announcement of the previous superintendent, Dr. Patrick McGrath Jr.

  • Dr. Patrick McGrath Jr. is set to retire at the end of the current school year.
  • Dr. Christopher Abdoo will begin his new role as superintendent on July 1.

The players

Dr. Christopher Abdoo

The newly appointed superintendent of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District, with over 25 years of experience in public education and 14 years of service in the district.

Dr. Patrick McGrath Jr.

The outgoing superintendent of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District, who is retiring after 14 years in the role.

Don Marshall

The School Board President of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District.

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What they’re saying

“Dr. Abdoo's professional experience, along with 14 years of district knowledge, showed the entire board his deep commitment to students and staff, his collaborative leadership style, and his clear understanding of how to lead a district through both opportunity and growth. His experience and values align closely with our community's expectations for excellence.”

— Don Marshall, School Board President

“I am profoundly honored and deeply grateful for the trust the Board of Education has placed in me. Having been a dedicated member of this community for 14 years, I am excited to continue partnering with our exceptional students, administrators, faculty, staff, and families. My commitment is to continue to uphold and advance the tradition of excellence that defines the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District, guiding us forward through both opportunity and change so that we continue to provide a world-class educational experience for all of our students.”

— Dr. Christopher Abdoo

What’s next

Abdoo will officially begin his new role as superintendent on July 1, taking over for the retiring Dr. Patrick McGrath Jr.

The takeaway

The appointment of Dr. Christopher Abdoo as the new superintendent of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District represents a smooth transition of leadership, with Abdoo's extensive experience and deep knowledge of the district positioning him well to build upon the district's tradition of excellence in public education.