Pictured is Bert Lictus, former superintendent for Panama Central School, who will be returning to the school on April 1 to fulfill the role of interim superintendent. Submitted file photo

PANAMA — The resignation of current Panama Superintendent Aaron Wolfe has opened the door for a once very familiar face to return to Panama’s halls once again.

Bert Lictus has officially been hired as Panama’s interim superintendent beginning April 1 to fulfill the leadership role he once held at the school until a permanent superintendent is hired. A letter from the Panama school board officially announced his return on March 21.

“His work supported our school system capably and his knowledge of our District is valuable to us,” the letter reads. “Bert is delighted to reconnect with our school community and we know you’ll join the Board in giving him a warm welcome back.”

Lictus served as Panama Central School’s superintendent from 2010 to 2022 when he retired. According to a previous Post-Journal article from when he announced his retirement, Lictus officially served with the school beginning in 2001 as director of student services and served as high school principal from 2003 until 2010, when he was hired as superintendent. The article also notes that he began his career around 9/11 and ended it around the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I really enjoyed it — I can’t believe that 21 years have gone by,” Lictus said in the article. “To spend that entire time as an administrator in one district is kind of unique. I’m one of the old guards, but I would say the community has been very supportive and I just had this wonderful opportunity to work in Panama during my entire administrative career. For the last 21 years, it’s just been a thrill. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

The community letter sent out by the Board of Education said that District Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer for Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, David O’Rourke will continue to assist the school with the hiring of a new superintendent as superintendent search consultant, at no cost to the school. Any interested candidates are asked to email him at dorourke@e2ccb.org or call (716)549-4454×4029.