09/25/2026
We are so lucky to have Principal McGrath
The Onteora Central School District (OCSD) is proud to welcome Ariel McGrath as the new principal of Bennett Elementary School. McGrath has been a valued member of the District for more than a decade, serving as a dedicated speech-language pathologist and, most recently, as interim assistant director of pupil personnel services. McGrath is also a proud OCSD alumna and parent.
“I was born and raised in the Onteora Central School District, where I developed a deep appreciation for the power of community, hard work, and the role that schools play in shaping young lives,” explains McGrath.
After graduating from Onteora High School, she earned her Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in Communication Disorders and a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Leadership from SUNY New Paltz.
“As I step into the role of principal, my primary focus in this first year is simple yet essential: building strong relationships, establishing trust, and meeting students where they are,” says McGrath. “I believe that a successful school is one where every child feels seen, valued, and supported, and where families and staff feel connected and heard.”
As principal, McGrath has come full circle, returning to the District that helped shape her while creating new memories and opportunities for the students who walk its halls today. As New York embarks on an exciting new chapter in education through the New York Inspires initiative, McGrath is committed to embracing innovative teaching and fostering meaningful learning experiences that empower students to thrive both in the classroom and throughout their lives.
