Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District

Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District is a public school district in New York State located in the Town of Lewiston, New York, about 10 miles (16 km) from Niagara Falls, New York. The District serves students from the towns of Niagara and Wheatfield.

Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District
Location
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara

United States
District information
TypePublic
MottoOnce a Falcon, always a Falcon
GradesK-12
Established1956
SuperintendentDaniel G. Ljiljanich
Schools6
Students and staff
Students4,200
Teachers208
Athletic conferenceSection VI
District mascotFalcons
ColorsBlack and White and Red      
Other information
WebsiteNiagara-Wheatfield Central School District

Administration

The District offices are located at 5700 West Street Sanborn, Niagara, New York The current Superintendent Mr. Daniel Ljiljanich.

District administrators

  • Daniel Ljiljanich Superintendent
  • Thomas Stack Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Personal Services
  • Allison Davis Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Management
  • Mary Sellers Director of Special Programs
  • Dr. Stephen Metzger Assistant Director of Special Programs
  • Mr. Jeffery D. Hazel Director of Instructional Technology and Learning
  • Gregory Phillips Director of Facilities
  • Leslie Buczkowski Director of Transportation
  • Domenico Barile Director of Food Service
  • Matthew J. McKenna Director of Athletics

Board of education

The Board of Education (BOE) consists of 7 members who serve rotating 3-year terms. Elections are held each May for board members and to vote on the School District Budget.

  • Mr. Steven SaboPresident
  • Mr. Rich HalleenVice President
  • Ms. Lori Pittman
  • Mr. David Breier
  • Ms. Kathy Fleming
  • Mr. Richard Sirianni
  • Mr. Christopher Peters

Selected Former Superintendents

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted in parentheses

  • Mrs. Mabel Sarbaugh Lee
  • Mr. Charles R. Clark
  • Mr. Joel Radin?-1994 (unknown, retired)
  • Mrs. Carol Beebe1994-1996 (Principal - Colonial Village Elementary, returned to Colonial Village)
  • Mr. Peter T. Kachris1996-1997 [interim]
  • Dr. Judith H. Howard1998-2008 (Assistant Superintendent - Hilton Central School District, retired)
  • Mr. Carl Militello2008-2012 (Superintendent - Carthage Central School District, retired)
  • Mr. Kerin Dumphrey2012 [interim] (School Business Administrator - Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District, returned to position)
  • Mr. James Knowles2012-2013 [interim] (Interim Superintendent - Warsaw Central School District, retired)
  • Dr. Lynn M. Fusco2013-2015 (Superintendent - Alden Central School District, named Superintendent of Erie 1 BOCES)

Schools

The school district operates six schools.[1]

Niagara-Wheatfield High School

Niagara-Wheatfield High School
Address
2292 Saunders Settlement Road

Sanborn
, ,
New York
14132
Information
PrincipalJeffrey D. White
Asst. PrincipalMatthew D. McCall
Dean of StudentsFrances Walgate
Grades9-12
WebsiteNiagara Wheatfield High School

Niagara-Wheatfield High School is located at 2292 Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn, New York and serves grades 9 through 12. The current interim principal is Mr. Jeffrey White, and the current assistant principal is Mr. Matthew McCall.

History

The current Niagara Wheatfield Senior High School opened in 1958, after the district was centralized.

Former Principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted with in parentheses

  • Mr. Richard H. Eden1958-1966
  • Mr. Charles T. Pelcin1966-1994 (Assistant Principal - Niagara Wheatfield High School, retired)
  • Mr. William L. Ross1994-1996 (Assistant Principal/Director of Athletics - Niagara Wheatfield Central School District, returned to position[2])
  • Dr. Laura Palka1996-2002 (Principal - Windermere Boulevard School, named Principal of Edward Town Middle School)
  • Dr. Michael J. Vallely2002-2003 [interim] (Assistant Principal - Niagara Wheatfield High School, named Principal of Southwestern High School)
  • Mr. Joseph D. Prisinzano2003-2005 (Assistant Principal - Sweet Home High School, named Principal of Jericho High School)
  • Ms. Michelle A. Spasiano2005–2007 (Principal - Errick Road Elementary School, named Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction of Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District)
  • Mr. Donald F. Mills2007-2009 (Assistant Principal - Williamsville South High School, named Principal of Ithaca High School)
  • Mr. Jeffery D. Hazel2009-2011 (Math teacher - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, named Principal of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute)
  • Dr. Laura Palka2011-2012 (Principal - Edward Town Middle School, returned to Edward Town)
  • Mr. Timothy P. Carter2012-2017 (Principal - Colonial Village Elementary School, named Superintendent of Wilson Central School District)
  • Mr. Michael C. Mann2017-2019 (Principal - Edward Town Middle School, named Principal of Orleans Career and Technical Education Center [3])
Selected Former Assistant Principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. Charles Pelcin1963-1966 (Administrative Assistant - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, named Principal of Niagara Wheatfield High School)
  • Mr. Fred J. Barone1966-1991 (Administrative Assistant - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, retired)
  • Mr. Frank B. Busino1967-1971 (Administrative Assistant - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, named Deputy Superintendent of Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District)
  • Mr. Joseph H. Czora1971-1982 (English teacher - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, retired)
  • Mr. William Ross1978-1994 (Assistant Principal - Edward Town Junior High School, named Principal of Niagara-Wheatfield High School)
  • Mr. James R. Campbell1994-2017 (Physical Education teacher - Buffalo State College,[4] passed away)
  • Mr. William Ross1996-2003 (Principal - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, retired[2])
  • Dr. Michael Vallely2000-2002 (Research Consultant - Cornell University, named Interim Principal of Niagara Wheatfield High School)
  • Ms. Laurie A. Garner2002-2004 (Special Education teacher - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, returned to position)
  • Mr. Vincent T. Vanderlip2003-2007 (Special Education teacher - Sweet Home High School, named Principal of Springville-Griffith Institute High School)
  • Ms. Mary Jo Dudek2004-2006 (Social Studies teacher - Frontier Central High School, named Coordinator of Secondary Education for Frontier Central School District)
  • Ms. Teresa M. Mosher2006-2009 (unknown, named Assistant Principal of Brighton High School)
  • Ms. Paula A. Missana2007-2015 (Special Education teacher - Stanley G. Falk School, named Supervisor for Elementary Special Education of Kenmore-Tonawanda Union Free School District)
  • Ms. Amanda Bennett2009-2012 (Guidance Counselor - Maryvale High School, named Principal of Niagara Academy)
  • Mr. T. Michael Carter [interim]2011-2012 (English teacher - Edward Town Middle School, named Assistant Principal of Orleans/Niagara BOCES)
  • Mr. Paul W. Galgovich2015-2019 (Assistant Principal - Orleans/Niagara BOCES, named Principal of Wilson High School)

Edward Town Middle School

Edward Town Middle School
Address
2292 Saunders Settlement Road

Sanborn
,
Niagara
,
New York
14132

United States
Information
PrincipalJordan M. Schmidt
Asst. PrincipalKelley L. Moore
Grades6-8
WebsiteEdward Town Middle School

Edward Town Middle School is located at 2292 Sanders Settlement Road in Sanborn and serves grades 6, 7, and 8. The current Principal is Mr. Jordan Schmidt and the current assistant principal is Mrs. Kelley Moore.

History

Edward Town Middle School opened in 1965. It was named for Edward Town in 1966, who helped organize the Niagara Wheatfield district.

Former Principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. Lee W. Lederhouse1965-1981 (Administrative Assistant - Niagara-Wheatfield Junior/Senior High School, named Administrator for Compensatory Education and Instructional Services of Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District)
  • Mr. F. Lee Pierce1981-1998 (Vice Principal - Colonial Village Elementary School, retired)
  • Mr. Anthony J. Day1998-2002 (Assistant Principal - Sweet Home High School, named Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction of Sweet Home Central School District)
  • Dr. Laura Palka2002-2016 (Principal - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, retired)
  • Mr. Michael Mann2016-2017 (Assistant Principal - North Tonawanda High School, named Principal of Niagara-Wheatfield High School)
Former Assistant Principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. William Ross1965-1978 (6th grade teacher - Tuscarora Indian School, named Director of Athletics of Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District[2])
  • Mr. Francis B. Brusino1978-1991 (Deputy Superintendent - Niagara Wheatfield School District, retired)
  • Mr. K. Gilbert Kroening1991-1995 (Industrial Arts teacher - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, retired)
  • Mrs. Patricia A. Tanner1995-1998
  • Mr. Michael R. Nicholson1998-2000 (Math teacher - Transit Middle School, named Principal of Bexley Central School District)
  • Mr. Jeffrey A. Faunce2000-2002 (Vice Principal - Royalton-Hartland Junior/Senior High School, named Principal of Alden Middle School)
  • Ms. Michelle Beishline2002-2005
  • Mr. John M. Fitzpatrick2005-2014 (Science teacher - Edward Town Middle School, named Principal of Veronica Connor Middle School)
  • Mr. John Griesmer2010-2012 (Social Studies teacher - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, named Assistant Principal of Amherst Middle School)
  • Mr. Jordan Schmidt2014-2017 (Dean of Students - Frederick Law Olmsted School, named Principal of Edward Town Middle School)
  • Mrs. Jodi P. Hammond-Axberg2017-2019 (CTE Supervisor - Buffalo Public Schools, named Grants Administrator at Medaille College)

Colonial Village Elementary School

Colonial Village Elementary School
Address
1456 Saunders Settlement Road

Niagara Falls
,
Niagara
,
New York
14305

United States
Information
PrincipalMarissa Vuich
GradesK-5
WebsiteColonial Village Elementary

Colonial Village Elementary School is located in Lewiston, and is located at 1456 Saunders Settlement Road. It serves grades K through 5. The current principal is Mrs. Marissa Vuich.

Selected former principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. Raymond VanDeVanter
  • Mr. A. Robert Filocamo1967-1992 (Science teacher - Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District, retired)
  • Mrs. Carol Beebe1992-1994 (unknown, named Superintendent of Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District)
  • Mrs. Kathleen A. Cummings1994-1996 (Assistant Principal - Colonial Village Elementary, placed on assignment)
  • Mrs. Carol Beebe1996-2008 (Superintendent - Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District, retired)
  • Mr. Timothy Carter20082012 (Vice Principal - West Street Elementary, named Principal of Niagara-Wheatfield High School)
  • Mr. Charles A. Smilinich2012-2015 (Vice Principal - West Street Elementary, named Principal of Dodge Elementary School)
  • Ms. Kami Halgash2015-2017
Selected former assistant principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mrs. Kathleen Cummings?-1994 (unknown, named Principal of Colonial Village Elementary)
  • Mr. John E. McKenna1994-1995 (Teacher on Special Assignment - Niagara Falls City School District,[5] named Principal of Fletcher Elementary School)
  • Mrs. Linda Andersen McClure1995-1998 (Administrator - Texas, Named Principal of West Street Elementary)
  • Mr. Michael Cancilla1998-1999 (unknown, named Dean of Students of Frontier High School)
  • Ms. Maria Zawistowki?-2013 (unknown, named Assistant Principal of Errick Road Elementary School)

Errick Road Elementary

Errick Road Elementary School
Address
6839 Errick Road

North Tonawanda
,
Niagara
,
New York
14120
Information
PrincipalNora O'Bryan
Vice PrincipalMaria Zawistowski
GradesK-5
WebsiteErrick Road Elementary School

Errick Road Elementary School is located at 6839 Errick Road in Wheatfield and serves grades K through 5. The current principal is Mrs. Nora O'Bryan, and the current Assistant Principal is Ms. Maria Zawistowski.

Selected former principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. John E. Thurmon1963-1976 (Teacher - Tuscarora School, resigned)
  • Mr. Ross S. Bellitto1976-1981 (Principal - Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District, retired)
  • Ms. Michelle Spasiano?-2005 (unknown, named Principal of Niagara-Wheatfield High School)
Selected former assistant principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Ms. Laura Palka (unknown, named Principal of Windermere Boulevard School)
  • Ms. Norah Chirayath (unknown, named Principal of Errick Road Elementary School)
  • Ms. Karen Cuddy-Miller2005-2007 (Director of Special Education - Williamsville Central School District, named Principal of Ohio Elementary School)

Tuscarora Indian School

Tuscaroa Indian School
Address
2015 Mount Hope Road

Lewiston
,
Niagara
,
New York
14092

United States
Information
PrincipalElizabeth Corieri
GradesK-6
WebsiteTuscarora Indian School

Tuscarora Indian School is located at 2015 Mt. Hope Street in Lewiston and serves grades K through 6. The current principal is Ms. Elizabeth Corieri.

Selected former principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. Norman Matteson
  • Mr. Charles F. Tortorete?-1996

West Street Elementary

West Street Elementary School
Address
5700 West Street

Sanborn
,
Niagara
,
New York
14132

United States
Information
PrincipalTheron Mong
GradesK-5
WebsiteWest Street School

West Street Elementary School is located at 5700 West Street in Sanborn and serves grades K through 5. The current principal is Mr. Theron Mong.

History

West Street Elementary was opened in 1999.

Former principal

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Ms. Linda McClure1999-2006 (Administrator - Del Rio,Texas, retired)

Former assistant principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. Lawrence Ljungberg2000-2001 (Biology/Chemistry teacher - Pioneer High School, named Interim Principal of Global Concepts Charter School)
  • Dr. Linda A. Marszalek2001-2003 (Special Education teacher - Pembroke Elementary School, named Principal of Cloverbank Elementary School)
  • Mr. Theron Mong2005-2006 (unknown, named Principal of West Street Elementary)
  • Mr. Timothy Carter2006-2008 (Assistant Principal - Triangle Academy, named Principal of Colonial Village Elementary School)

School Colors and Mascot

Niagara-Wheatfield Senior High School's official school colors are black & white and red. The school's mascot is the Falcon, and its sports teams and other competitive teams are also referred to as the "Niagara-Wheafield Falcons."

Academic and Behavioral Statistics

Overall, Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District's academic and behavioral statistics are higher than the New York State average. In 2006 the average attendance rate for all high school students was 93%. Total suspension count for the year was 94 incidents. 96% of the Class of 2006 earned New York State Regents diplomas, while only 4% earned local diplomas. 56.8% of total students earned New York State Regents diplomas with advanced designations (honors). 69.2% of students with disabilities earned New York State Regents diplomas.

Sports and Academic Organizations

Athletics: NW has an array of sports programs, including baseball, football, basketball, bowling, wrestling, cheer-leading, track, cross country, tennis, volleyball, swimming, golf, soccer, hockey and softball. Niagara-Wheatfield competes in the NFL (Niagara Frontier League) with rival schools such as Lewiston-Porter, Niagara Falls, and Lockport. Niagara-Wheatfield is in New York's Section 6.

Academic Organizations: Niagara-Wheatfield also offers a wide variety of other organizations that students can join based on their interests.

Notable alumni

Rashad Evans, Class of 1998, is a former UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion. During his time at Niagara-Wheatfield, he was known for his significant contributions to the NW Falcons' varsity football and wrestling teams, with guidance and leadership from Coach Ace Cacciatore.

Coach Armand "Ace" Cacciatore, a 2002 inductee into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, and a 1999 inductee into the New York State Wrestling Coaches' Hall of Fame. Ace dedicated his career to teaching and coaching at Niagara-Wheatfield and formed the school's wrestling program in 1963, compiling a record of 330 wins and 30 losses during his wrestling coaching tenure, sending over 35 wrestlers to New York State Finals. He was named to head varsity football coach in 1970, and within three years led the Falcons into their first league championship. His football record is highlighted with 158 wins in 26 years, three Section VI Class Double A championships (two of them consecutive, in 1996 and 1997), seven divisional championships, two Connelly Cups, and five trips to Rich (Ralph Wilson) Stadium. Cacciatore became known not only as a superb coaching tactician, but a molder of men. A strong believer that character matters, he instilled a strong sense of purpose and values in every athlete who ever played or wrestled for his teams. Coach Cacciatore often took an interest in the personal lives of struggling student athletes, and assisted many in obtaining college scholarships or otherwise achieving to their best potential.[6]

Michael Pittman, Class of 2009, is a member of the University of Rochester's male a cappella group, The YellowJackets. The group appeared on season 3 of NBC's singing competition, The Sing Off.

Post-High School Career Paths

The majority of each year's graduating classes go on to pursue two and four-year college-level degrees. 38.5% of students in the Class of 2006 went on to start a 4-year degree program (91 students in-state and 4 out of state), 46% went on to start a 2-year degree, 4.3% went on to start other vocational training programs, and 28 students total started employment immediately post graduation.

2008: 50 Year Golden Anniversary

In 2008, Niagara-Wheatfield celebrated its "golden anniversary" of 50 years with a 1950s-style sock hop, inviting all NW alumni who have graduated from the school since its opening 50 years ago.[1]

Brief History and Student Demographics

Prussian Immigrant Foundation: The original high school was built on the Haseley family farm land in 1958, which the family sold to the state. The dual Edward Town Middle School and Niagara-Wheatfield Senior High School complex is located on Saunders Settlement Road (NYS Route 31) near the hamlet of "Walmore",[7] an original Franco-German (Prussian) Lutheran settlement formed in 1843, to which the Haseley family is related. There are still several families living in the town of Wheatfield today who are descendants of the original Franco-German (Prussian) immigrant families. The families established the hamlets of Saint Johnsburg, Bergholz, and Walmore after escaping harsh religious persecution in their former European homeland.[8]

Tuscarora Nation History: There is also a Native American population (the Tuscarora Nation, one of the Six Nations of Haudenosaunee) with a deep history that has a historical presence in the school district. The Tuscarora reservation (founded in 1803) is located directly across the street from the middle school and high school, and is home to the Tuscarora Nation.

Italian, Irish and Other Heritages: The school district also is home to several students of Italian ancestry, as well as students many other diverse origins and backgrounds such as Irish-American, Asian-American and African-American.

A Growing Population in a Difficult Economy: Despite issues with job loss in the manufacturing industry due to globalization and the transition of America from a manufacturing-driven economy into a service-driven economy, the Town of Wheatfield is one of the fastest-growing towns in Niagara County. West Street Elementary School located in Sanborn, NY was built and added to the school district in the late 1990s to accommodate the growing population of school-aged children.

Selected former administrators

Year Superintendent CVES
Principal
ERES
Principal
Tuscarora
Principal
WSS
Principal
ETMS
Principal
ETMS
Asst. Principal
NWHS
Principal
NWHS Assistant Principal(s)
1998-1999Judy HowardCarol BeebeMichelle SpasianoLiz CorieriTony DayMike NicholsonLaura PalkaBill RossJim Campbell
1999-2000Judy HowardCarol BeebeMichelle SpasianoLiz CorieriLinda McClureTony DayMike NicholsonLaura PalkaBill RossJim Campbell
2000-2001Judy HowardCarol BeebeMichelle SpasianoLiz CorieriLinda McClureTony DayJeff FaunceLaura PalkaBill RossJim CampbellMike Vallely
2001-2002Judy HowardCarol BeebeMichelle SpasianoLiz CorieriLinda McClureTony DayJeff FaunceLaura PalkaBill RossJim CampbellMike Vallely
2002-2003Judy HowardCarol BeebeMichelle SpasianoLiz CorieriLinda McClureLaura PalkaMichelle BeishlineMike Vallely*Bill RossJim CampbellLaurie Garner
2003-2004Judy HowardCarol BeebeMichelle SpasianoLiz CorieriLinda McClureLaura PalkaMichelle BeishlineJoe PrisinzanoVince VanderlipJim CampbellLaurie Garner
2004-2005Judy HowardCarol BeebeMichelle SpasianoLiz CorieriLinda McClureLaura PalkaMichelle BeishlineJoe PrisinzanoVince VanderlipJim CampbellMary Jo Dudek
2005-2006Judy HowardCarol BeebeNora O'BryanLiz CorieriLinda McClureLaura PalkaJohn FitzpatrickMichelle SpasianoVince VanderlipJim CampbellMary Jo Dudek
2006-2007Judy HowardCarol BeebeNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongLaura PalkaJohn FitzpatrickMichelle SpasianoVince VanderlipJim CampbellTeresa Mosher
2007-2008Judy HowardCarol BeebeNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongLaura PalkaJohn FitzpatrickDon MillsPaula MissanaJim CampbellTeresa Mosher
2008-2009Carl MilitelloTim CarterNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongLaura PalkaJohn FitzpatrickDon MillsPaula MissanaJim CampbellTeresa Mosher
2009-2010Carl MilitelloTim CarterNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongLaura PalkaJohn FitzpatrickJeff HazelPaula MissanaJim CampbellAmanda Bennett
2010-2011Carl MilitelloTim CarterNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongLaura PalkaJohn FitzpatrickJeff HazelPaula MissanaJim CampbellAmanda Bennett
2011-2012Jim Knowles*Tim CarterNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongLaura PalkaJohn FitzpatrickLaura PalkaPaula MissanaJim CampbellAmanda Bennett
2012-2013Jim Knowles*Charlie SmilinichNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongLaura PalkaJohn FitzpatrickTim CarterPaula MissanaJim Campbell
2013-2014Lynn FuscoCharlie SmilinichNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongLaura PalkaJohn FitzpatrickTim CarterPaula MissanaJim Campbell
2014-2015Lynn FuscoCharlie SmilinichNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongLaura PalkaJordan SchmidtTim CarterPaula MissanaJim Campbell
2015-2016Dan LjiljanichKami HalgashNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongLaura PalkaJordan SchmidtTim CarterPaul GalgovichJim Campbell
2016-2017Dan LjiljanichKami HalgashNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongMike MannJordan SchmidtTim CarterPaul GalgovichJim Campbell
2017-2018Dan LjiljanichMarissa VuichNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongJordan SchmidtJodi HammondMike MannPaul GalgovichJeff White
2018-2019Dan LjiljanichMarissa VuichNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongJordan SchmidtJodi AxbergMike MannPaul GalgovichJeff White
2019-2020Dan LjiljanichMarissa VuichNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongJordan SchmidtKelley MooreJeff White*Matt McCall
2020-2021Dan LjiljanichMarissa VuichNora O'BryanLiz CorieriTheron MongJordan SchmidtKelley MooreJeff WhiteMatt McCall

*Denotes interim appointment

References

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