Andrew Ludwig stepped down as principal on July 1 at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School.

The Buffalo Diocese has announced through an advertisement it is seeking a new principal at the Northern Chautauqua Catholic School in Dunkirk.

Andrew Ludwig, in an email to the staff and school community on June 29, said that he was stepping down on July 1. “It has been an honor, privilege and pleasure to have been NCCS principal the last five years and seven months,” he said in the email. “What a blessing it has been coming to NCCS. Thank you God.”

Through his tenure, Ludwig was named a “Difference Maker” in 2019 by the OBSERVER for his work in rejuvenating the location at Fourth Street and Washington Avenue.

Ludwig, who retired as Fredonia Middle School principal in 2018, was noted in that article as bringing a fresh attitude to the school. “I’m the one surrounded by difference makers: our teachers, our board, our parents,” he said. “All I have to do is support these people.”

His email last month indicated he is battling health issues and hopes to return. “I am confident that the NCCS Board of Trustees will be able to find a dynamic successor,” he said. “NCCS is fully staffed and scheduled for the 2024-25 school year. Whoever succeeds me will take over a wonderful and well run school filled with amazing children and a loving team of dedicated teachers and staff.”

According to the job description, the principal must be a practicing Catholic and have a school administrator certification from the state. College degrees in education and administration are also required.

“Teaching experience at the elementary level preferred but other levels are acceptable,” the description continues. At least five years of both teaching and administrative experience is also preferred, but not required. Also, “certification in special education is a plus.”

The salary is $65,000 per year to run the pre-kindergarten through eighth grade school on Washington Avenue in Dunkirk.