Schenectady City Schools names interim principal of middle school

Mark Brooks will serve as interim principal of Mont Pleasant Middle School for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Schenectady City School District has announced that Mark Brooks will serve as the new interim principal of Mont Pleasant Middle School, effective immediately. Brooks is a veteran educator with over two decades of experience in the Schenectady school system, including roles as a social studies teacher and dean of students.

Why it matters

The appointment of an interim principal is an important transition for the school district and the Mont Pleasant Middle School community. Brooks' extensive experience in Schenectady schools will help provide stability and leadership during this interim period.

The details

Brooks began his career in Schenectady schools over 20 years ago as a social studies teacher at the high school. He later served as the dean of students at Oneida Middle School. Brooks also has 17 years of administrative leadership experience, most recently as a principal in the Schuylerville Central School District.

  • Brooks' appointment as interim principal is effective immediately and will last for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year.
  • He is replacing Andrew Jablonski, who had been serving as interim principal since December 2025 after the previous principal, John DeFazio, left to join the Newark Central School District.

The players

Mark Brooks

A veteran educator with over two decades of experience in the Schenectady school system, including roles as a social studies teacher and dean of students. He will now serve as the interim principal of Mont Pleasant Middle School.

Andrew Jablonski

The previous interim principal of Mont Pleasant Middle School, who will now return to his role as an assistant principal at the school.

John DeFazio

The former principal of Mont Pleasant Middle School, who has moved to the Newark Central School District.

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What they’re saying

“As I have progressed throughout my career, there has not been a more rewarding job than working for the Schenectady City School District. I am privileged to be back helping to serve the students, staff, and families.”

— Mark Brooks (news10.com)

The takeaway

The appointment of Mark Brooks as interim principal of Mont Pleasant Middle School brings a seasoned educator with deep roots in the Schenectady school system back to help provide stability and leadership during this transition period for the school.