Middle school assistant principal appointed
Amherst Schools
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

The Amherst School Board took the necessary steps to fill one of the district's several administrative vacancies with the hire of Judith Burley as assistant principal of Amherst Middle School. Burley was appointed to the position at the Sept. 4 board of education meeting.

The board appointed Burley to a three-year probationary period from Sept. 5, 2007 through Sept. 4, 2010.

Burley, who worked as a literacy coach at P.S. 80 and 82 in the Buffalo City Schools, replaces Lee Pierce.

"I'm excited to be here," said Burley. "Amherst has a great reputation, and the people in the school have been upbeat, positive and welcoming."

The district is still searching for a high school principal. Retired Amherst High School Principal Joe Podgorski has been filling in as a substitute administrator until the district finds a suitable replacement. Former Principal JoAnn Balazs resigned on Aug. 27 to accept a position as principal at the Harkness Career and Technical Center in Cheektowaga. The assistant superintendent position is also yet to be filled. Former Assistant Superintendent Paul Wietig retired in June.

In another matter, the board approved the first reading of an official district cell phone policy. The proposed policy states that the district will not provide cell phones to employees at district expense.

Board Vice President David A. Stocking said the district has discussed the topic in the past and feels employees should be given some compensation.

Superintendent Laura Chabe said the proposed policy reflects what has been practiced and can be amended.

Board Member Patricia Yanity suggested the board ask Erie 1 BOCES administrators about the cell phone policies adopted by other districts and poll other district employees for their feedback.

As per district rules, the policy needs to be approved in two public readings to be adopted. The policy is scheduled to be read a second time at the board's next meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, in the back wing of Amherst Middle School, 55 Kings Highway.

As of now, the district does not have an official cell phone policy in place.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com