The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District will be saying farewell to a long-serving and beloved member of its community. Pashley Elementary School Principal Jill Bonacio has announced her retirement after an impressive 22.5 years of dedication to BH-BL.
Bonacio started her 32-year education career as a school counselor at local districts and as House Principal for Saratoga Middle School. In 2003, Bonacio started her Spartan career as Dean of Students at O’Rourke Middle School where she spent two years before becoming the Pashley Elementary School Principal.
“All four of my kids went through Pashley and my family has great memories from their time there because Jill always, without a doubt, puts kids first,” said Board Member David Mitchell. “Everything she does is child centered, and she will be greatly missed.”
Mitchell’s sentiment is expressed by many who have witnessed first
hand Bonacio’s commitment to her Polar Bears. There was hardly ever an assembly or evening event that Bonacio didn’t attend. And she didn’t just attend, she engaged. You’d find her at the school’s Science Fairs asking kids specifics about their projects, wearing elaborate costumes to celebrate Book Character Day, participating in Crazy Hair Days, exploring the Firetruck with her students after they won the Fire Safety Poster contests, jumping rope or climbing the rock wall in physical education classes, and the list goes on and on.
“Without a doubt, one of the most genuine and cherished aspects of being the principal of Pashley is the incredible student body—my Polar Bears,” adds Bonacio. “Their energy, curiosity, and individual spirits are truly the highlight of every day.”
Bonacio was also a steady and supportive voice for her staff, having been through three renovation projects centered around classroom and school environment improvements. She also played an integral role in the 2023 Capital Project highlighting her school’s classroom space challenges and advocating for much-needed school improvements and upgrades for her students and staff.
When not knee-deep in physical school improvements, Bonacio was dedicated to creating a strong school and family connection. Five years ago, she started the One School, One Book initiative where the entire student body reads the same book. Older students and staff read the book on their own while parents commit to reading the book with their children. She also was the catalyst behind restarting the school’s Drama Club, implementing a Morning Program, and pioneering the beloved Special Person Luncheon where students invite a special guest to the school for lunch and recess time. A strong partnership between the school and its families has been a cornerstone of Bonacio’s leadership, and the unity these initiatives brought to the school embodies her vision for a close-knit community.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at Pashley has been the opportunity to work alongside our wonderful families,” she shared. “We’ve navigated challenges together, celebrated milestones together, and supported each other through every step of the journey. I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible power of a strong home-school connection, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and open communication that has characterized my interactions with our parents.”
In a heartfelt announcement to Pashley families, Bonacio expressed a “mixture of joy and bittersweet emotion” as she prepares to embark on a new chapter. Her time at Pashley has been marked by a deep commitment to the students, staff, and families of BH-BL.
“I am deeply proud of the positive and supportive culture that defines Pashley Elementary School,” adds Bonacio. “Our
commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment ensures that all students feel a sense of belonging and have the opportunity to thrive. These years have been filled with immeasurable joy, growth, and a deep sense of purpose. I have been fortunate to experience the unique dynamics of both the middle school and elementary levels, and I can say with unwavering conviction that Pashley Elementary is truly a remarkable place to work and learn.”
Reflecting on her time at BH-BL, Bonacio shared a sentiment many in the school community echo: “I often tell people that I hit the lottery when I was granted a position at BH-BL. This district has been more than just a place of employment; it has been a second home. I have been blessed to work alongside incredible colleagues, to nurture the minds of bright young students, and to be part of a community that truly cares.”
D
istrict administrators will begin the process for a principal search soon. They will begin by assembling a hiring committee of various constituent groups so all parties can provide input and participate in the search. The district’s goal is to hire a qualified candidate who will begin this summer. Bonacio will also work directly with the new principal from the hire date to ensure a smooth, successful transition for Pashley staff, students, and families.