Big changes are coming to Chautauqua Lake Central School. After 16 years with the district, Superintendent Benjamin Spitzer has announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2020.

Secondary School Principal Dr. Joshua Liddell will take over the district’s highest leadership position on July 1.

“After 32 plus years in public education and half of that time as superintendent, I want to direct my full attention and time to my wife of 32 years and family,” says Spitzer. “I will miss working with the fantastic staff, students, parents and Board members. I have enjoyed the challenge of developing and implementing the innovative ideas that have made Chautauqua Lake a destination district.”

Under Mr. Spitzer’s direction, the Chautauqua Lake Central School District has enjoyed many successes, including the introduction of the Manufacturing and New Visions educational programs, a mutually beneficial tuition agreement with Ripley Central Schools, a valuable partnership with the Department of Mental Hygiene for school-based mental health services and the development of the Sources of Strength Suicide Prevention Program, the passage of 15 successful budget votes along with the completion of three capital projects, the establishment of the Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center, an important educational partnership with the Kennedy Center, a Community Schools Initiative, and numerous state athletic titles.

During his time in the district, Mr. Spitzer spent a lot of time advocating for education in his free time. He was a large proponent of the Regional High School legislation that was approved by the New York State Senate and the advocacy for Tuition Incentive Aid that was supported by the Rural Schools Association and Chautauqua County School Boards Association. He served as past president and delegate for the Far West Council of School Superintendents, as past delegate for the New York State Council of School Superintendents, as a former member of the New York State Commissioner’s Advisory Council, as past president of the Westfield-Mayville Rotary, as a COI, Inc. board member, as a former Tapestry governance board member, as a former Children’s Safety Village Board member, and as a Chautauqua County Education Coalition member.

“I am extremely proud and blessed to be selected as the next Chautauqua Lake Superintendent,” said Dr. Liddell. “Mr. Spitzer has been an excellent mentor and together we have worked to ensure that the district is well-prepared for the upcoming district-level leadership transition.”

Dr. Joshua Liddell will assume head of Chautauqua Lake Central School after working in the district for more than 10 years, where he was the Secondary School Principal and Supervisor of Athletic Programs. He is very excited to take on this new role in a district that he has dedicated so much of his life to.

Spitzer’s resignation was accepted by the Board of Education on February 12, 2020. After a comprehensive internal search, Dr. Liddell was appointed as his successor during the same Board meeting.

“It was with gratitude, respectful regret and understanding that we accepted Mr. Spitzer’s resignation. His leadership has propelled our district forward in many aspects, all with a progressive mindset,” says Chautauqua Lake Board of Education President, Amy Webb. “Dr. Liddell is a highly qualified candidate that has demonstrated his dedication to our district. We are excited about our future with his leadership.