Katie Miley has been appointed as the new principal of Southwestern Middle School. She brings 17 years of teaching experience and a commitment to supporting students, staff, and families. Submitted photo

The Southwestern Central School Board of Education has approved the appointment of Katie Miley as the district’s new middle school principal.

Miley succeeds Greg Lauer, who served as principal of Southwestern Middle School for the past two years.

Miley brings 17 years of experience as a chemistry teacher, the last six at Southwestern High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the State University of New York at Fredonia, a master’s degree in adolescent education from St. Bonaventure University, and is completing her leadership studies at Fredonia.

Superintendent Molly Moore said Miley’s experience in the classroom and as a teacher leader made her well-suited for the position.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Katie Miley as our new Middle School Principal,” Moore said. “Mrs. Miley has proven her strong instructional background as a teacher, coupled with strong relationship-building qualities with students, staff, and families. Mrs. Miley has served as a teacher leader for several years at Southwestern, which will serve her well as she transitions to the role of Middle School Principal.”

Miley said the opportunity to serve as middle school principal was a natural fit because of the district’s commitment to its mission of “Learning for All.”

“I have had the privilege of working closely with our incredible administration team for the past few years throughout our journey of Professional Learning Communities,” Miley said. “We have a shared value of collaboration and putting our students first. I look forward to continuing our work together, ensuring that our students are engaged and prepared for future success.”

As she begins her new role, Miley said one of her top priorities will be building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and the community.

“It is important to me that my staff and students build trust in me,” she said. “I truly want my staff to feel supported by me as their leader and know that I want to work alongside them.”

She also emphasized her commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment where every student can thrive while expanding opportunities for family and community involvement. Miley said those relationships will be built on a foundation of clear communication and transparency.

Looking ahead, she hopes to build upon the middle school’s existing strengths, including its welcoming atmosphere, collaborative culture, and dedicated staff.

“Our staff is outstanding,” Miley said. “I want to build on the strong culture of collaboration that already exists while continuing to put students at the center of every decision.”

Miley also shared a message for the Southwestern school community as she prepares to begin her tenure.

“For my staff, I’m committed to being a supportive leader who works alongside them,” she said. “I want them to know they have my full support and that we’re partners in this work.”

She added that she wants students to know she is “accessible, honest, and invested in their success,” while assuring families that open, transparent communication will help strengthen partnerships between the school and community.

“I’m committed to creating meaningful opportunities for involvement and partnership,” Miley said. “Open, transparent communication will ensure that we’re all working together for the students.”