Pallaci appointed principal of Veronica Connor Middle School

By Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

With the start of the 2o24-25 academic year Sept. 4, many of the sixth graders will see a familiar face at Veronica Connor Middle School. That face will belong to the school’s new principal, Felicia Pallaci. The former Kaegebein Elementary School principal was appointed principal of the middle school at the Aug. 26 meeting of the Grand Island Board of Education. She replaces Interim Principal Adam Buffamonte, who, in his resignation letter, indicated he had accepted a principal position in another school district.

Grand Island Central School District Superintendent Dr. Brian Graham said, “We are very happy to recognize (Pallaci). She cares very deeply for her students, and that has been proven true during her four years at Kaegebein. She has a great dedication to pursue what is best for her students.”

Before being appointed principal at Kaegebein in 2020, Pallaci “served as a teacher on special assignment at the middle school and dean of students. Prior to that, she was an English as a second language teacher within our school district,” Graham said. “I also want to add – and this is a great feat – that, during her first year at Kaegebein, she successfully defended her dissertation and was awarded a doctorate degree.”

In addition, Graham said he wanted to recognize John Fitzpatrick, who was appointed at the Aug. 5 meeting to the position of assistant superintendent of curriculum, staff development and human resources. Fitzpatrick, who was on vacation with his family, was unable to attend that meeting.

“John has had a tremendous career in education as both an administrator and as a teacher,” Graham said. “He worked in the Niagara Wheatfield district, where he taught biology and earth science in the middle school. He was also a coach at Niagara Wheatfield. He has a great passion for the offensive line and all the work that they do to protect the man who advances the ball. He transitioned in Wheatfield to assistant principal and he served there until 2014, when he was hired here. He came here on Oct. 27, 2014, as the principal at Veronica Connor Middle School, serving for nine years. We are very pleased about this amazing leader.”

In other news:

•The Grand Island Central School District is looking to hire school bus drivers for the upcoming school year. Starting pay is $24.10 per hour, and new bus drivers are eligible for health insurance. Drivers also receive retirement benefits and a discount on their E-ZPass. Those interested in working as a bus driver are asked to call 716-773-8890 and speak to Theresa for more information.

•Former Athletic Director Jon Roth was selected for the Section IV Hall of Fame. A member of the 10th class of inductees, Roth served as athletic director in the Grand Island Central School System for 30 years before retiring in 2023.

•The first induction ceremony for the Grand Island Athletic Hall of Fame is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 18. The people being recognized are Marjorie Bessel (athlete – 1982), Carlin Hartman (athlete – 1990), Glyn Lipp (athlete – 1975), Steve Lunney (athlete – 1984), Gene Masters (coach/administrator), Jon Roth (coach/administrator), Stacey Schroeder (Watt) (athlete – 1992), John Sullivan (athlete – 1980), and Ann Marie Wozniak (Stricklin) (athlete – 1989).

•The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has recognized Grand Island High School as a Scholar-Athlete School of Distinction. According to the NYSPHSAA website, “Schools can earn School of Distinction status by having 100% of its varsity teams qualify for and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award during their respective sports seasons.”