John O’Connor

FORESTVILLE — Forestville’s recent superintendent vacancy left by Renee Garrett’s resignation has been filled by a familiar face. The district has announced that John O’Connor has been brought in on an interim basis, and will begin Tuesday.

O’Connor is currently the assistant superintendent for management services at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES and previously served as Forestville’s superintendent from 2004 to 2012.

“Renee has been fantastic for our district and immersed herself into the community,” said Forestville school board President Amy Drozdziel. “There are so many of us that are sad to see her leave, and we want to wish her the best.”

In her time as superintendent, Garrett was able to secure nearly $500,000 in grants supporting the district’s Farm-to-School initiative and universal Pre-K program, as well as $14.5 million allocated for capital improvements addressing safety and maintenance projects.

Looking ahead to the new school year, Drozdziel said the board is excited to work with O’Connor, who in addition to serving as Forestville’s superintendent, was also the elementary school principal prior to that appointment.

“After interviewing a number of outstanding interim candidates, the board came together unanimously supporting John O’Connor as our leader during this transition,” Drozdziel said. “He’s familiar with our district and community, and we had a positive experience with him as our superintendent prior to him joining BOCES. I believe he’s going to jump in very quickly without skipping a beat between Renee’s last day and his first day.”

O’Connor will support the district as it moves forward with an $8,475,000 capital project. Improvements will include HVAC and parking lot upgrades, elevator modernization, interior and exterior renovations, roof replacements and energy-saving measures.

“I’m happy to come to Forestville after 10 wonderful years at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES,” O’Connor said. “At this point in my career, it is exciting to be able to return to the small, rural district that I consider home. I look forward to re-engaging with the Forestville school community. I am also looking forward to working with the Forestville Board of Education, faculty, staff and students to continue a history of shared commitment for student success.”

The Forestville Board of Education is scheduled to officially appoint O’Connor during its regular meeting on Thursday. The board previously appointed the district superintendent of BOCES, Dr. David O’Rourke, to lead the search for the district’s permanent superintendent.