Both districts’ school boards on Thursday approved a contract allowing Dr. Josh Liddell to serve as superintendent in both districts. Liddell will be the new superintendent in Bemus Point effective Dec. 17. He will replace outgoing superintendent Joseph Reyda.

Liddell became the superintendent of Chautauqua Lake in July 2020 and has more than 18 years of administrative experience, according to Lauren Ryan, Bemus Point Central School board president. Liddell is a lifelong resident of the area and has an understanding of the Bemus Point district. Liddell is a Maple Grove High School graduate.

Liddell said he is planning to work closely with each school board to address the unique challenges that are faced by both districts, Ryan said, and will be accessible in each district to provide the necessary attention to each. This allows Dr. Liddell to step into the role with a better understanding of the districts, which many other individuals would not possess.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed the shared superintendent of Bemus Point and Chautauqua Lake. These communities mean everything to me – both professionally and personally. I am committed to building on the strong foundations in each district and working together to provide exceptional opportunities for all students,” Liddell said.

Staff, parents and Bemus Point Central School district residents take their seats and await the start of Thursday’s special Bemus Point School Board meeting.

Ryan noted that both school boards agreed that sharing a superintendent is a great opportunity to continue strong leadership while being fiscally responsible. This will allow both districts to reap the benefits of a superintendent they say has demonstrated his leadership abilities within the county. The districts will also see a combined annual savings of about $150,000 based on total salary, benefits, and payroll taxes, said Ryan. Ryan noted that these additional savings can be redirected toward programs that directly benefit students.

The schools will explore collaborative opportunities and specialized services that can be expanded by sharing a superintendent, Ryan said.

Ryan took time at Thursday’s meeting to ease any worries pertaining to the intermunicipal appointee. Ryan made note of the many rumors that had been circulating as to what such an intermunicipal agreement would entail. Ryan reassured parents, students, and residents that the districts will not merge or share a tuition agreement in any way. Ryan stated that each district will maintain separate boards, budgets, staff, program and community traditions. Each school board will only make decisions for their own district. Any sort of merger or tuition agreement made between the schools would require a public vote before any implementation could go forth. The schools will continue to have their own unique extracurriculars and athletics, stated Ryan. The athletics that are currently shared, that being the football and the girls soccer, will remain unchanged, according to Ryan.

“For most staff, students, and families there will be no noticeable change. Schools will operate as they always have, with principals and administrative teams managing building level operations. The superintendent’s role is to provide an overall leadership, strategic direction, and support to both districts,” said Ryan.

Ryan noted that both boards have built a flexible agreement as a precaution. If either district believes that the agreement needs to be altered they have the ability to revisit it, according to Ryan.

Parents and residents lined up at the sign in sheet in the Maple Grove Jr./Sr. School library, where the board meetings are held.

“We are confident in Dr. Liddell’s ability and leadership. He is highly respected in the education field, deeply values this community, and is committed to ensuring the continued success and growth of our schools,” stated Ryan.