Natasha Vaughn is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the New Lebanon school board has named Andrew Kourt as the district's new superintendent. Kourt was serving as principal of the Walter B. Howard Elementary School in West Lebanon prior to his appointment. He replaces Leslie Whitcomb, who retired last month. “I congratulate him and I thank the board for their efforts to make sure that this wonderful school district will have the leadership necessary to continue on its trajectory of success and responsible stewardship of this community’s most valuable resource, its children,” Whitcomb wrote in a letter to the school community. Kourt assumed the district's top job on October 1. “I love every part of this district, it’s a very special place,” Kourt said. “So I am absolutely thrilled to continue my leadership role here as the district superintendent. ...” Prior to coming to New Lebanon in 2014, Kourt taught the 5th grade for 10 years at Glenmont Elementary School in the Bethlehem Central Schoo District. Kourt holds a master’s degree in reading and literacy from SUNY Albany and a bachelor’s degree in special and elementary education from The College of Saint Rose. He also holds a certificate of in education and administration and leadership from The College of Saint Rose, as well. In May, the state Education Department named the Walter B. Howard Elementary School a 2019-20 Recognition School. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, Recognition Schools are those with high academic achievement and strong progress. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.