Southwestern Central School is appointing Katie Miley as its new middle school principal.

The appointment will begin July 1 and is probationary through June 30, 2029, until Miley gains tenure. Miley has previously served as a science teacher at Southwestern.

Miley’s appointment comes after the resignation of Greg Lauer, who had been appointed to the position in 2024. Lauer has served as assistant principal and athletic director at Fredonia Central School District since 2021 and is a former longtime teacher and Science Department instructional leader there. Lauer’s resignation was presented to the board in May effective on July 1.

“As I conclude my time as principal of Southwestern Middle School, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Board of Education and Superintendent Molly Moore for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve this outstanding school community over the past two years,” Lauer wrote in his June report to the Board of Education. “It has been both an honor and a privilege to work alongside such dedicated educators, staff members, students and families. … While I am excited for the next chapter in my professional journey, I will always be grateful for my time at Southwestern and proud of all that we have accomplished together.”

Also during Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, the board approved tenure for Ashley Armstrong, a seventh through 12th grade math teacher who is to complete her probationary period on June 30.

“Mrs. Armstrong has proven herself to be an excellent fit at Southwestern High School and a very student-centered educator,” Matt Kindberg, Southwestern high school principal, wrote in a letter to Molly Moore, school superintendent, that was included in Tuesday’s Board of Education agenda. “Mrs. Armstrong works closely with her fellow members of the Math Department to ensure the success of all students. Mrs. Armstrong has also established positive working relationships with her colleagues and has demonstrated leadership qualities in the ninth grade transition team meetings.”

In other news, the board approved a new boys soccer coach. Drew Keppel, who was also hired as a health education and physical education teacher during the meeting, was appointed boys soccer head coach. Deering