Following his service in the United States Marine Corps, Bernie Theobald graduated from SUNY Albany with a BA in History, a Masters in History, and a Certificate of School Administration. He taught Social Studies in Shaker Junior High in Colonie, New York prior to coming to Sidney Junior High School as a Principal in 1965. In 1978, Bernie was charged with the responsibility of moving from the Junior High to the Middle School concept (grades 6-8) to be located in the former Pearl Street Elementary building, a task which he completed in an exemplary fashion and with great finesse.Bernie continued as a popular and well respected school leader until his retirement in 1990, rarely ever missing an after school activity, game, or other athletic contest. Even after his retirement, Bernie continued in education as a substitute teacher and interim administrator.
Bernie was described by one of his former superintendents, Dr. Perry Berkowitz, as "the finest principal" with whom he had ever worked in over 48 years in education. Additionally, Dr. Berkowitz was quick to add that Bernie could easily have gone anywhere as a superintendent at a considerable raise but that Bernie chose to stay in Sidney, a choice that was to the benefit of his students, staff, and community alike.
During the forty-two years that Bernie resided in the Sidney School district, he was actively involved in the Sidney community. From 1968 to 2007, he served as Chairman and Treasurer of the Next-To-New shop, a thrift store that was a mainstay in the Sidney business community.
Additionally, he served on the Community Chest (now the United Way), on the Board of Trustees of the Sidney Memorial Public Library, The Hospital Board of Trustees (1994-98), the Sidney Chamber of Commerce (1981-87), the Delaware County Board of Mental Health, the Delaware County Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the Board of Directors of the Sidney Golf and Country Club. Bernie was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
When asked to talk about Bernie Theobald's life and work, his former staff members cited his love of family, his uncanny ability to know what was going on at all times in his building, his caring and concern for others and his ability to know and connect with each student.