July 9, 2024

The Depew Union Free School District (UFSD) Board of Education has appointed Michael Lauria as the new superintendent of schools. Lauria will fill the position following the retirement of Henry J. Stopinski, Ed.D.

Lauria currently serves as assistant superintendent for curriculum, staff development and human resources at the Grand Island Central School District. Previous school administration positions include principal for Grand Island and Silver Creek high schools, assistant principal and assistant athletic director for the Grand Island Central School District. Lauria began his career as a science teacher at Sweet Home High School.

Lauria earned his school district leadership professional certificate in school administration from Canisius College. He attained his master’s degree in science education from the State University of New York at Buffalo and his bachelor of science degree in biology from Canisius College.

The three-year contract will become effective August 1 with an annual salary of $190,000.

“After an extensive search, the Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Lauria as the new leader of the Depew UFSD,” said Todd Bush, president of the Depew UFSD School Board. “His vast experience in leadership roles will be a great asset to the Wildcat community.”

April 17, 2024

Our community survey through the ThoughtExchange communication tool closed on April 10.

To see the results from that survey, click here: Thought Exchange Review BOE Presentation

March 25, 2024

Superintendent Search Letter PDF

Dear Depew UFSD Employees and Community Members:

I am writing to provide you with updates regarding the selection of a new Superintendent of Schools by the Board of Education.

As of February 27, 2024, the Board has appointed Dr. Michael Capuana, the District Superintendent of Erie 1 BOCES to facilitate the process of identifying and appointing a new Superintendent for Depew. Dr. Capuana will collaborate directly with our Board and community to navigate through the selection process.

A pivotal aspect of this search entails gathering feedback and perspectives from the educational community, including employees, parents, students and community members. The focus will be on the District’s needs and the desirable qualities of the next Superintendent. Your input will play a crucial role in guiding the Board’s decision-making process.

In addition to holding numerous in-person community focus group sessions, we also have a digital option to gather your input. To facilitate this digital feedback collection, we have launched a community survey on the school website utilizing the ThoughtExchange communication tool. This survey will be accessible until April 10, 2024, and we encourage all community members to share their thoughts on the characteristics and qualities they envision in the next Superintendent. You can find the survey link, along with the vacancy brochure, timeline and application on the Superintendent Search page on the website.

We anticipate extending an offer to the successful candidate in early July 2024, with the new Superintendent expected to begin in Depew at the start of the 2024-2025 school year.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Depew Staff and community for your invaluable assistance throughout this forthcoming search process.

Sincerely,

David Sheff
Depew UFSD Board President

Please share your thoughts on the qualities you would like to see in the next Depew UFSD Superintendent of Schools:
 Characteristics and Qualities ThoughtExchange

March 15, 2024

The Depew Union Free School District Board of Education is being assisted in the confidential Superintendent search by Dr. Michael Capuana, District Superintendent of Erie 1 BOCES.

More information will be released soon about the search process.