November 18, 2008

Richard Wheeler, who has served as Acting High School Principal since the start of the school year, left his post to return to retirement on Friday, November 14.

Upon learning of Wheeler's intentions, Superintendent Steven Schrade immediately began the search for a new acting principal to help ensure a seamless leadership transition at the High School. On Monday, November 10 , the Board of Education began interviewing candidates. While the goal was to have a new acting principal on board no later than Monday, November 17, the district decided to prolong the search in an effort to find the best possible candidate for the High School, said Superintendent Steven Schrade.

Schrade is now serving as acting principal while the Board of Education prepares to appoint a new acting principal tentatively by November 21.

Wheeler has offered to return to the High School periodically on a volunteer basis to assist the new acting principal and to help complete certain academic initiatives he started this year. Wheeler specifically asked that he not be paid for these transitional services.

Meanwhile, the district's internal investigation of High School Principal Mary Petrilli's arrest and conduct this past August has officially concluded. In accordance with New York State law, Petrilli remains suspended with pay. Schrade, school administrators and the Board of Education will continue to take all possible measures to resolve this issue.