Dear South Colonie School Community, 

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our beloved former teacher, Kathy Bianchi, on Wednesday, June 26, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Kathy dedicated 33 years of her life to Lisha Kill Middle School, where she taught sixth-grade math and science. She retired in June 2023, always prioritizing her students and families, even in the face of her illness. Her selflessness and dedication were evident throughout her career. 

Kathy's smile lit up every room, and she will always be remembered for her generosity, her kind spirit, and of course her love for rollerblading.

In this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy’s family, friends, and all who are experiencing this loss. We understand that this news may be difficult to process, and we are here to provide support and guidance during this time of grief.

Mental health support will be made available to students, staff, and families on Friday as school social workers and psychologists will be onsite in the Lisha Kill library between the hours of 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Additionally, if you would like to share this information with your children, our mental health team has put together these age-appropriate resources on how to communicate about this loss. 

If you need to speak with someone immediately, please call the crisis hotline at 518-213-8504 and leave a message. A member of our Support Services team will call you back as soon as possible.

As we remember Kathy, let us reflect on the profound impact she had on our community. Her legacy of kindness, dedication, and passion for teaching will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Perry
Superintendent of Schools