Charles Leichner has retired as superintendent at Cassadaga Valley Central School. Submitted photo

SINCLAIRVILLE — Charles Leichner, Cassadaga Valley Central School’s longtime superintendent, celebrated his last day Friday.

Leichner began as superintendent on Aug. 1, 2014. He took the job after leaving the same position at Forestville.

“I had been the superintendent of the Forestville Central School District prior to considering a move to Cassadaga, but when I saw that the Cassadaga Valley Central School District was looking for a new leader, I just felt like this district might be a good fit for me,” Leichner said. “In meeting with the various committees throughout the search process it became apparent to me, and the district, that it would in fact be a great fit, and it has certainly been that.”

For Leichner, some of his favorite moments throughout the years have been the multiple times he has seen his students experience success. He added that he will always remember the people he got to work with at Cassadaga.

“Since I arrived in 2014 there have been some great educators who have retired and dozens of young teachers and administrators who have joined the team,” Leichner said. “Seeing someone start a new job that they love is definitely one thing that I’ll remember.”

Spending about nine years with the district has meant a lot to Leichner and is something that he is proud of, especially since he said superintendents do not always spend that much time in the same place. He said he has enjoyed the people he has had the chance to work with, but is looking forward to retiring at the same time as his wife.

“My wife, Shari, and I are both retiring as of June 30 so we are excited to spend more time with family,” Leichner said. “We are looking forward to enjoying a more relaxed schedule, traveling and watching our grandchildren grow up.”

Following Leichner’s retirement, the school district has appointed Dave Davison as interim superintendent. Leichner said Davison has been with the school in a variety of capacities over the years, and is a retired superintendent himself, making him a good fit for the job. Leichner added that the Board of Education has yet to decide on all of the details of the search for the new superintendent.

In the future, Leichner plans to spend time as an interim superintendent as those opportunities open up for him, and will also spend time doing a little more hunting and fishing.

Overall, Leichner said he is honored to have served Cassadaga Valley for so long.

“It has been a real honor to serve the Cassadaga Valley Central School District,” Leichner said. “It is a wonderful school with a great staff and wonderful families.”