Known as its Silver Jubilee, the 25th anniversary of the building opening in 1999 celebrates the shared vision of the community and school leaders from Mayville and Chautauqua that led to the opening of the school district. Their goal was to create a unified space where students could access a high-quality education and a range of academic, athletic and co-curricular opportunities. Over the years, the school has become a place where students not only learn, but also develop as athletes, artists and leaders.

Superintendent Josh Liddell, who has served the district in an administrative role for the last 18 years, said the anniversary is a celebration of the shaping of the district over the last 25 years.

“This anniversary is about more than just marking a date on the calendar,” Liddell said. “It’s a celebration of the people, programs, and partnerships that have helped shape Chautauqua Lake into one of the region’s top school districts. Over the past 25 years, we’ve built a proud tradition of excellence — in academics, the arts, athletics, and manufacturing. Looking ahead, our mission continues to be clear: to prepare students to succeed by both challenging and supporting them in a welcoming environment where they feel respected, encouraged, and truly cared for.”

The success of the district can be traced back to the teachers, administrators, board members and support staff who work every day to bring the school’s mission to life. Each year, faculty members set individual and team goals aligned with district priorities, focusing on ways to improve instruction and strengthen the school’s culture. Through innovative projects and a commitment to professional growth, staff continue to create a learning environment that supports student achievement and builds a strong sense of community.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the building of the Chautauqua Lake Central School District building. The front entrance to the school is pictured. Submitted photo

As part of the Silver Jubilee celebration, Chautauqua Lake Central School will host a special open house on Saturday, Oct. 4. The event will feature a video presentation, guided walking tours of the building, and a brunch. Festivities will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude around noon. Community members who wish to attend are asked to RSVP by calling 716-753-5910 by Sept. 26.

Jack Voelker, who was a school board member when the building opened, has played a big role in planning this celebration, calling it “both a thank you and a reminder of the lasting positive impact” those involved in the process to create the new school have had on the community.

Steve Dechert was the Senior Project Manager for the creation of the school building, being in charge of the project and one of a team of five individuals who managed it all under the company Ciminelli Cowper Co. Inc. The company had 25 prime contractors working on the project and more than 250 people working on the project at its peak manpower.

“In my 46 years of working in a very rewarding construction management career, my favorite project of all time was the construction of the new Chautauqua Lake CSD school,” Dechert said. “I fell in love with the Chautauqua Lake region, and had a great relationship with everyone in the school district. The Board of Education was a top shelf group of individuals, some of whom I have maintained lasting friendships. And it was a real pleasure working with Don Belcer, the district superintendent.”

From a construction schedule standpoint, he added that the project itself was very challenging, with the company building a brand new 330,000 square foot school in 15 and a half months. Dechert referred to the building process as “a real adventure” and “a wild ride of keeping all participants focused on the goal line.”

Chautauqua Lake Central School students are pictured in the school’s vestibule, one of its noteworthy physical features. Submitted photo

“I have always been extremely proud of our management team, and the collaboration we had with Robin Mach the architect, and everyone at Chautauqua Lake CSD,” Dechert said.

Current school board president, Mike Ludwig, praised the last 25 years of the school, saying that the district continues to look to improve for the future.

“It has been an incredible 25 years,” Ludwig said. “The Chautauqua Lake building has always been more than just a school, it’s been a place where students build lasting memories, form lifelong friendships, and gain the foundation they need to succeed in the future. It seems that our district continues to improve and gets better year after year. I am so proud of everyone who works so hard to make this place so great.”

High school mathematics teacher, Stephanie Janicki, has worked in the building since the opening in 1999. Since that time she said she has watched it become more than just a school, and is a place she is glad to have spent her career at.

“As teachers, we’ve had the honor of watching Chautauqua Lake grow into more than just a school, it’s a place where students discover who they are and who they want to become,” Janicki said. “Over the past 25 years, this building has been my home. I am so proud to have spent my entire career here at Chautauqua Lake. Not only do I teach here but my own children graduated from here as well. I am so thankful to belong to this school community and to continue to teach our students and prepare them for the future.”