New Batavia High School principal approved by board

New High School Principal

The Board of Education approved the appointment of Scott Wilson as the new principal of Batavia High School. In his recommendation, Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey noted that Wilson was clearly the best candidate of the 35 applicants who submitted to the rigorous screening and interview process. 

“Scott Wilson has just the right mix of teaching and administrative leadership that we are looking for in our next principal,” Dailey said. He cited Wilson’s 13 years experience at Churchville-Chili Senior High School -- where he was a social studies teacher, swimming coach, and leader in teaching initiatives -- as well as his past eight years as a high school assistant principal in the Hilton Central School District where he was responsible for building the master schedule, being the student activities liaison, supervising departments, leading the assessment and grading teams for the district, and presenting at the national PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) conference. 

Daily said, “I am thrilled to recommend a proven leader, communicator, team-builder, collaborator, student-centered educator to our Board of Education.”

Wilson begins as principal in July.

Reviews and Previews

As one year ends and the Board looks forward to the next, the Board discussed and reflected on some of the key components of both.

Graduation… Even more telling than our graduation percentages being up by about 10 percent are the success stories of our students as they move on to the next chapter of their lives. Many students will pursue more education or enter directly into the workforce and Dailey made special note of how impressive it is that all of our IEP (Individual Education Plan) students have secured their diplomas as well as jobs upon graduation. The graduation ceremony will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at Genesee Community College.

Consolidation… Dailey was pleased to share a comment from a Jackson parent who originally had been opposed to the consolidation. Through their child’s adaptation to the new school as well as through their regular volunteer work at the school, they described Principal Diane Bonarigo as a “gem in the community” and expressed the desire that all parents will have the opportunity to experience the “wonderful world that Mrs. Bonarigo and her staff have created.”

Capital Project… Now that the project has been approved by the voters, Dailey noted that the Buidings and Grounds Committee has begun to meet with the architects to develop a timeline for completion. The first step is to submit plans to New York State for approval.