Mary Ruth Kapsiak

Mary Ruth joined the Character Council of Western New York to continue her desired involvement with students. She is currently working with the scholarship and other committees. Mary Ruth recently retired from the Buffalo Board of Education after serving nine years as Central District Representative. She served as President of the Board for three years; Vice President of Student Achievement, Vice President of Executive Affairs, and Chair of Educational Support. She also served as Area 1 Director of the New York State Caucus of Black Board Members 2013-2016.

Ruth was a special education teacher and reading teacher at Community School #53 in Buffalo. Prior to her experiences at School #53, Mary Ruth was a reading teacher for grades pre-kindergarten through six at Broadway Village Elementary #57 where she conducted assessments and evaluations while teaching the Orton-Gillingham method of teaching reading. In September of 2002, she worked as Adjunct Professor in Reading at Medaille College. Mrs. Kapsiak was appointed as Assistant Principal of Stanton Academy #31. In 2004, she was appointed Assistant Principal at Dr. Lydia T.Wright School of Excellence #89. She ended her career with the Buffalo Public Schools as Supervisor of Elementary Education in 2006.

Mary Ruth has earned several degrees including a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication, University at Buffalo; Certificate of Completion, Orton-Gillingham Method for Reading from the Gow School in South Wales, N.Y; Masters of Science in Exceptional Education, from Buffalo State College; Masters of Science, Reading, Canisius College; and completed her certification in School District Administration from Canisius College.

Mary Ruth has served on numerous Boards in the past and is still active in the community. She is a member of The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Diversity Council, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she has served as Vice President and now is President Elect, Erie County Chapter of the Links, Inc. serving as the Assistant Secretary, and a proud former Trustee of St. John Baptist Church where she is still actively involved on several committees.

Being involved in the community and in the education of all students has been her desire and focus. Fostering a climate of positive culture, relationships, and character is key in developing communities of which we can be proud.

Mary Ruth resides in Buffalo with her husband, James M. Kapsiak, a retired educator.