New Amherst superintendent looking forward to fall term
LAURA CHABE Amherst School Superintendent
Once again, it is the month of August, a very busy month for school districts as they finalize plans for the opening of school in September. These weeks tend to go by quickly and before we know it, the students are back in the building and the year is well on its way.

When the students return to school they will be introduced to many new faces among our administrators and teachers. Although changing times do present challenges they also offer opportunities for new beginnings and fresh ideas. I am very excited about the upcoming school year.

I also want to express that we will sincerely miss all of the individuals that have moved on and thank them for their dedication and commitment to our students. I wish them well in their new endeavors.

Amherst is based on a long history of high academic achievement, community support and commitment. It is evident that the primary purpose of this educational institution is to maintain the tradition of providing a quality education for all of the students regardless of ability or needs.

The collaborative approach by the many staff members to achieve this goal is overwhelming. Additionally, the team concept implemented by the administration has proven so far to be more positive than I could ever have imagined. The school continues to be focused on positive outcomes for the students and the community. Goals related to student performance and instruction are clearly identified and monitored.

An example of this is the comprehensive teacher mentoring program and new teacher training program that has become such an integral part of the instructional program and evaluation process at Amherst. These programs are continually monitored and adjusted to best reflect the diverse needs of our students and staff. Evidence of the success of this model is demonstrated daily in the classroom. Our students continue to perform extremely well on the various assessments at all levels of performance.

Annually at each building level goals are established, documented and monitored by the administrators, teachers and support staff. These goals are periodically reviewed for progress and analyzed at the end of each school year.

Very high expectations are established that directly impact our students and their needs for each school year. It is always exciting to observe the focus and direction that schools are taking as the school year begins. This is a process that I have endorsed in my previous positions and will continue to support at Amherst.

Personally, I feel incredibly fortunate to be given the opportunity to serve this outstanding community as the superintendent of Amherst Central Schools. I appreciate the support and confidence that the Board of Education, administrative team and school community have placed in me. I am committed to working on behalf of all stakeholders in the best interest of our students.

Thank you for your involvement and support of our schools. I am looking forward to meeting all of you in the future.