Sydney Neubauer is the new Silver Creek Middle School Principal. Neubauer, right, is pictured with Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston. P-J photo by Braden Carmen

SILVER CREEK — Dr. Katie Ralston knew all along that Sydney Neubauer could take on a role in administration. When she first hired her as an assistant principal, Ralston said Neubauer’s work ethic goes “unmatched” and that she is “never going to put her name to something she’s not proud of.”

Thursday night, Neubauer had plenty to be proud of.

Neubauer was approved as the new Middle School Principal at the Silver Creek Central School District during the latest Board of Education meeting. She will transition from her role as Elementary Assistant Principal to her new title on Monday, Feb. 24, the first day back from mid-winter break.

“It’s just really amazing to see someone who is as passionate as Sydney grow from the classroom to principal,” Ralston said. “… It’s exciting to see this team growing and it’s exciting to have Sydney be a part of it.”

Ralston knew what she was getting when she brought Neubauer over to Silver Creek from the Cuba-Rushford Central School District, just as she did a year earlier. Less than a year after taking on her first administrative role, Neubauer has already taken the next step as a building leader.

“My time in Silver Creek so far has been amazing. I couldn’t stop smiling throughout my interview because the conversation was amazing. I’m inspired by the work that’s here and I’m so thankful to be able to continue,” Neubauer said.

The dedication to her job that Ralston raved about was on display at the recent meeting, as Neubauer presented each Board of Education member with a plan for success she crafted during the interview process.

“I was really excited when she applied for the assistant principal position here, and I was really excited she was ready to be a principal,” Ralston said.

Neubauer, a native of Jamestown and a graduate of St. Bonaventure University, possesses Professional Certification as a Building Leader and in Social Studies Grades 7-12. Her appointment carries a probationary period of four years, beginning on Feb. 24 through Feb. 23, 2029, at which point she can become eligible for tenure.

“We’re fortunate to have her because she is all about the students. She is all about growth – her own personal growth, students’ growth – and we’re going to see that in this building. It’s really exciting,” Ralston said.

Neubauer replaces Bethany Brown as Middle School Principal. Brown came to a separation agreement with the District, effective Dec. 1. Sharon Huff began acting as Substitute Middle School Principal on Monday, Nov. 11. Huff will now swap places with Neubauer to serve as Substitute Assistant Principal of the Elementary School until the role is filled permanently.