Amherst School Board accepts Ford's resignation
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

The Amherst Central School Board of Education formally accepted the resignation for retirement effective July 1 of Superintendent Dennis Ford at the April 3 meeting.

The resignation of Ford, superintendent for the past 11 years, was not a surprise since the board three weeks earlier had chosen Laura Chabe, Westfield Academy and Central Schools superintendent, to succeed Ford. However, board members were sad to hear Ford's announcement. .

"I think one of the toughest things as a board member is making the right choice for a superintendent and 11 years ago, we were excited about choosing Dennis and even more satisfied as time went on," said board vice president David A. Stocking. "Whenever I describe to someone who exudes leadership, I think of Dennis."

"When people ask me what it's like to be on a school board, I tell them it's easy because we have Dennis," added board member David J. Dengler.

Ford credits the entire community with making his tenure at Amherst a memorable experience.

"The community, board members, faculty, staff and parents really care about the kids and have a high expectation of the kids' performances," Ford said. "That's a plus. To know we have that support is important."

The board also gave Gregory Pigeon a three-year probationary appointment as assistant principal of the high school effective July 1 through June 30, 2010. Pigeon, currently assistant principal at the Harkness Center, will replace Jack Koch, who is retiring on June 30.

In other matters: Susan Hens Smith, chairman of the district's alumni foundation grant program, said the foundation has awarded more than $12,000 in grants over the last three years. This past year, for example, the foundation provided more than $4,000 for school events such as a field trip to a Rochester museum for Windermere pupils and uniforms for a new high school drill team and Western New York Players in Progress, a youth basketball program.

Smith, a 1974 Amherst High graduate, said the grants enhance the total educational experience in ways that cannot be accommodated within the school budget. Carol York Weil ('67) and Richard Mugel ('78) also serve on the grant committee.

Amherst High senior Harrison Singer placed third in the Theodore Roosevelt public speaking contest.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com