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Retirements mark round of changes
Local school districts officially marked the end of the academic year last weekend when hundreds of high school seniors received their diplomas at graduation ceremonies. Tears flowed and hugs were shared as friends congratulated each other. The young adults also took their first steps toward career goals. As the students said good-bye to their alma maters, a handful of administrators looking on were also bidding adieu.
Retirements are nothing new, but this year is exceptional because we cannot recall the last time we watched four major administrators retire in one year. Cleveland Hill Superintendent Bruce Inglis, Depew Superintendent Robert DeFilippo, Maryvale Assistant Superintendent Robert Tauriello and West Seneca Superintendent James Brotz are all retiring at the end of the month or in early July.
Inglis led Cleveland Hill through a major capital improvement project that is helping to guide district students into the future. In Depew, DeFilippo saw the district emerge as one of the best in Western New York while dealing with tragic and unfortunate events. Tauriello spent 37 years at Maryvale in a variety of capacities. As assistant superintendent for administrative services, he helped keep taxes down in an era when costs appear to be skyrocketing out of control. Our regular reporting on the West Seneca School District began with the start of the 2006-07 academic year, however, we have watched Brotz handle one of the area's largest school budgets and address potential problems with the same easy demeanor.
Each administrator has left his own mark at his respective district. Their decisions have been- and will be- discussed, debated, criticized and applauded. During their years of service, one fact has become clear to us: they have each performed a difficult job while serving the public to the best of their abilities. For this they should be applauded. We wish them all happy and healthy retirements.
Condolences: The entire staff of the Cheektowaga Times extends its condolences to Cheektowaga Police Captain John Glascott and Town of Cheektowaga Employees Association President Kevin Glascott and their family on the recent loss of their mother.
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