Mrs. Rateno to replace Sonia Brule upon her retirement after proudly serving Center for 18 years
“Center has such a
strong reputation of placing kids first and connecting with families and
community. I’m very excited to continue that mission and support all members of the Center family.”
~
Kate Rateno
MAYFIELD
VILLAGE – Kate Rateno’s decision to dedicate her life to education began on a
volleyball court.
While in
college, she became a junior varsity volleyball coach at Notre Dame Cathedral
Latin.
“Coaching
showed me my path,” Mrs. Rateno said. “I truly enjoy working with kids. My
biggest goal is to be a strong role model for our students and to show them how
to work to their fullest potential.”
Mrs. Rateno
will step into the principal’s post at Center Elementary at the start of the
2015-16 school year. Current Center Elementary Principal, Sonia Brule, will
retire in June after serving as the school’s principal for the last 18 years.
Superintendent
Keith Kelly considers Mrs. Rateno a “homegrown educator.” She started her
career at Mayfield Middle School as a student teacher then joined the staff as
a 6th grade teacher in 1999. In 2011, Mrs. Rateno joined the middle school
administrative team where she has excelled as an Assistant Principal for the
last four years. Her leadership
experience in the district is significant, serving on several committees that
include teacher evaluation, safety, resident educator and teacher interview.
She also has experience designing student and staff programs that meet the
social-emotional needs of students and the instructional needs of staff.
Her passion
for education is evident not only in her work, but also in her words.
“No matter
what is going on in education, the kids need us. They need our help, support
and love to succeed as students and to grow as individuals,” said Mrs. Rateno,
a proud wife and mother of two young children. “Any challenge is an opportunity
to make ourselves better. Our families and students need us, especially during
challenging times. I am committed to
these students and the Center community. ”