A familiar face is stepping into a new role at the Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District.
Lyndsey Burnisky, a 2002 Midlakes graduate and former elementary physical education teacher, has been named Assistant Director of Special Programs. The school board approved her appointment at its October 6 meeting. She officially begins on October 14.
“We are thrilled to have one of our own moving into this new role,” said Superintendent Nicholas Ganster. “Lyndsey is an excellent educator, and we are fortunate to have her accepting this new position.”
Burnisky will support Director Andrea Eldridge and the Office of Special Programs and Services. She said the new position gives her a chance to connect with students in more meaningful ways across various classrooms.
“I’m enjoying the move because I am able to see students in a different light and support them differently,” she said.
From gym teacher to district leader
Burnisky returned to Midlakes in the 2022–23 school year after teaching physical education in the Greece Central School District for 15 years. She said coming back to her hometown to teach — and now lead — is especially meaningful. Her wife, Jennifer, and their three children all live in the district, with all three kids attending the Midlakes Elementary School.
She credits her transition into leadership to support from Midlakes staff, including Elementary Principal Chris Moyer and Superintendent Ganster. With their encouragement, Burnisky joined the Wayne-Finger Lakes Leadership Academy and later completed her Certificate of Advanced Study in Education Administration from SUNY Oswego.
Burnisky said she’s grateful for the chance to see students thrive in different ways outside of gym class.
“Encountering students in the physical and athletic realm does not always allow all students to show their strengths,” she said. “Now, I have the chance to meet them in different atmospheres or environments, and it allows me to know and support the whole student.”
She earned her bachelor’s in physical education and master’s in athletic administration from SUNY Brockport.
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