Submitted Photo Benjamin Spitzer will resign as Chautauqua Lake Central School District superintendent at the end of the current school year. Dr. Josh Liddell, currently the secondary school principal, was appointed by the Chautauqua Lake Central School Board as Spitzer’s replacement. Pictured from left are Spitzer and Liddell.

MAYVILLE — Ben Spitzer, superintendent of the Chautauqua Lake Central School District, will retire at the end of the current school year. His resignation was approved by the Chautauqua Lake Central School Board at the February meeting.

“After 32 plus years in public education and half of that time as superintendent, I want to direct my full attention and time to my wife of 32 years and family,” Spitzer said in a statement. “I will miss working with the fantastic staff, students, parents and Board members. I have enjoyed the challenge of developing and implementing the innovative ideas that have made Chautauqua Lake a destination district.”

Spitzer has been with Chautauqua Lake for 16 years.

In a statement, the district cited Spitzer’s leadership as primary reasons for instituting the Manufacturing and New Visions educational program, establishing a tuition agreement with the Ripley Central School District, creating the Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center, partnering with the Department of Mental Hygiene and developing the Sources of Strength Suicide Prevention Program. Additionally, the school district has approved 15 budget proposals, completed three capital projects and achieved numerous state athletic titles during Spitzer’s tenure.

The district’s statement also praised Spitzer’s efforts outside of his role as superintendent where he continued to advocate for education.

At the same February meeting, the board appointed Dr. Josh Liddell, secondary school principal, as Spitzer’s replacement. Liddell received his educational leadership degree over the summer.

“I am extremely proud and blessed to be selected as the next Chautauqua Lake Superintendent,” said Dr. Liddell. “Mr. Spitzer has been an excellent mentor and together we have worked to ensure that the district is well-prepared for the upcoming district-level leadership transition.”

Liddell’s contract, approved at the February meeting, is for three years beginning July 1, 2020, and expiring June 30, 2023. Liddell has worked in the district for more than 10 years and has served as the secondary school principal and the supervisor for athletic programs.

The board of education utilized a “comprehensive internal search” before deciding to appoint Liddell, according to the statement.

“It was with gratitude, respectful regret and understanding that we accepted Mr. Spitzer’s resignation. His leadership has propelled our district forward in many aspects, all with a progressive mindset,” said Amy Webb, school board president. “Dr. Liddell is a highly qualified candidate that has demonstrated his dedication to our district. We are excited about our future with his leadership.”