Dana Williams

The Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education has removed the interim tag from Dana Williams’ title as Jamestown High School principal.

The board approved the recommendation from Dr. Kevin Whitaker, district superintendent, during Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting. Williams has been serving as JHS’ interim principal since December 2019.

“Mr. Williams is officially celebrating his very first birthday as principal of Jamestown High School,” Whitaker said in introducing the personnel resolution to the board before the those in attendance broke out in a round of applause. “Congratulations.”

The board also approved a change of status for Brittnay Spry from school business official to director of budget and finance.

“I am pleased to welcome Mr. Williams as, now officially, our new high school principal,” Whitaker said. “He has shown himself to be an advocate for students, and to have an ability to work with staff members and parents alike. His commitment to JHS is what we need from a leader, and I look forward to many years working with him to make our high school the best possible environment for learning.”

Williams’ predecessor, Dr. Rosemary Bradley, resigned in December 2019 after only a few months on the job after incidents culminated with unions at the high school holding a vote of no confidence. Bradley was the focal point of criticism following a Nov. 6 fight among high school students that forced an emergency lockdown.

Criticism was also heard from community members, teachers, students and parents at a Parent Teachers Association Student Association meeting Nov. 12 and at a board meeting Dec. 3 that saw more than 100 people in attendance at each.

Paul Abbott, Jamestown Public Schools board president, said the fact that the board hears so little from the public about Williams’ and Spry’s job performance is a sign they are doing good work.

“On behalf of the board I want to thank both of you for stepping into your roles, sort of baptism by fire in both of your cases,” Abbott said. “It’s certainly not at the easiest of times in the field of education. Thank you for your continued efforts. We don’t hear a lot about either of you, and that’s always a good thing. People always come to the board when there’s complaints. So thank you both and I wish you both well.”

Williams also worked for the Jamestown Public Schools for 11 years as an assistant principal at Jamestown High School and Jefferson Middle School. Prior to coming to JPS, Williams worked at Randolph Academy Union Free School District where he was a school and crisis counselor, Team Leader, and performed administrative duties.

“It’s a pleasure to announce the appointment of Mr. Williams as the principal of JHS,” said Tina Sandstrom, JPS chief director of schools. “Mr. Williams has led the school as interim principal through a very difficult time with the pandemic and we appreciate his leadership and dedication to JHS. He has the right experiences to help ensure the long-term success of JHS.”

Williams graduated from Jamestown Community College, received his bachelor’s degree at SUNY Brockport in Communications, and his master’s degree at St. Bonaventure University in School Counseling. Williams also has his NYS School Administration/Supervision (SAS) Certification.

Williams lives in Jamestown with his wife, Barb. They have two adult daughters who are both proud graduates of Jamestown High School.

“I’m extremely proud to be principal at Jamestown High School and thank Dr. Whitaker, Mrs. Sandstrom, and the Board of Education for giving me this opportunity,” Williams said. “Having been part of this city and community for many years, I’m fully committed to helping this school improve and our young people to succeed.”