Torch has been passed, Heim Middle principal named
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Kramer

Heim Middle School Principal Charles Kramer has decided to retire from the Williamsville Central School District after nearly 40 years in education.

Since joining the district in 1989, he has worked in three schools and also ran the summer school program for five years, which at the time held classes for middle and high school students.

"From the day I came here, I always felt very fortunate to be here. The quality of education is a cut above," Kramer said.

He was named the East High School assistant principal in 1989 and then Casey Middle School's assistant in 1993. In 1996 he was named principal for Heim Middle.

"I'm going to miss the kids. It was a pleasure walking the halls, getting high fives," he said. "I always tried to have a warm, friendly relationship with the kids."

He started his career in the Kenmore School District, teaching math for 20 years. Kramer went on to achieve a master's in administration.

He also spent evenings teaching courses for paramedics at Erie Community College for 12 years. Kramer is a past fire chief for West Falls.

Keipper

"I have accomplished what I could. I'm leaving on a high note," he said about his tenure at Heim.

Although he is ending his career as a principal, he isn't retiring altogether. Kramer has accepted a position working in labor contract negotiations with the New York State Secondary Administration Association.

His retirement from Heim Middle will be official at the end of January.

"Some of the students have come up to me and expressed concerns about my leaving," Kramer said, but he isn't concerned about his replacement.

At the Dec. 11 Williamsville Board of Education meeting, the board unanimously appointed Valerie Keipper, Heim Middle School's assistant principal, to replace Kramer. She will officially start Feb. 1.

"I hired her six years ago. She is very qualified and knowledgeable," Kramer said when asked about his successor.

He said Keipper has proven herself as a leader, and he is thankful she will be taking over. Kramer also commented on her knowledge of technology, which will keep the school on the cutting edge.

Keipper has been the assistant principal since 2001. She was previously the dean of students at the Bryon Bergen Middle School in Bergen, N.Y. She was also a business teacher for 12 years at Lake Shore Central High School and served as department chair for seven years.

Having worked with Kramer for more than six years, Keipper credits him for making Heim Middle School the success that it is.

"All the positive attributes in this building are due to his leadership," she said.

Keipper added that as the new principal, she plans to build on the strengths and success of student achievement and character education that are already in place in the school, while taking them to greater heights.

"I feel like I am the person handing off the torch after a run and letting the next person run with it," Kramer said. "I'm happy to pass it off to Mrs. Keipper to take it to the next generation."