Mayor Byron W. Brown today delivered an official ‘Happy National Principals Month’ to all the
amazing school leaders in the City of Buffalo, in coordination with the efforts of the National Association of Secondary
School Principals, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School
Administrators.
“As Buffalo continues to experience a period of unprecedented growth, development and progress, I recognize how
important school leaders are to the success of our students and we want to take this time to express our appreciation,”
said Mayor Brown. “My Administration is pleased to declare October as National Principals Month in the City of
Buffalo. Please join me in letting our school leadership know that we are behind them and recognize their efforts.”
As part of Principals Month, Mayor Brown issued a proclamation, declaring the month of October as National
Principals Month in the City of Buffalo. He also highlighted the work of exemplary elementary and middle level
public, private and independent school leaders for their commitment to serving students from prekindergarten to
grade eight (pre-K–8) in their profession, and honored several outstanding middle level and high school principals who
have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students, as well as their exemplary contributions
to the profession.
• Mr. Marck Abraham, Principal of McKinley High School
• Ms. Theresa “Terri” Schuta, Principal of South Park High School
• Mr. Patrick Cook, Principal of Hamlin Park Claude and Ouida Clapp Academy #74
• Mr. Rafael Perez, Principal of Frank A. Sedita Elementary School #30
In recognition of all school principals in Buffalo, Mayor Brown thanked them for the vital role they play in the successful
implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), adding that principals are expected to be educational
visionaries, instructional leaders, assessment experts, disciplinarians, community builders, public relations experts,
budget analysts, facility managers, special programs administrators, and guardians of various legal, contractual and
policy mandates and initiatives, as well as being entrusted with the education and development of young people, the
most valuable resource.
Mayor Brown concluded today’s celebration by highlighting his Administration’s educational initiatives that have
helped boost high school graduation rates in Buffalo in recent years, including an over $2.3 million
investment in Say Yes to Education Buffalo, as well as a $10 million plus investment in his summer youth employment
and internship program that has provided over 23,000 employment opportunities to city youth since 2006.