Micah Oldham

RIPLEY — As he leaves Ripley Central School, after serving as school principal for 6 1/2 years, Micah Oldham said he believes he is taking a “deeper understanding of educating the whole child” with him to his new position.

Oldham is leaving Ripley to assume the position of principal in the Brocton School District. The Board of Education officially accepted his resignation at their meeting in November.

Oldham said that educating the whole child means that the child’s future will be judged on the quality of his or her work and on strength of character. “If we believe this to be true, we must commit to teaching and providing hands-on opportunities that actively foster character development alongside academic growth,” he said.

Oldham said that, during his time at Ripley, he has seen many significant educational developments take place in the district. “The school has made tremendous progress, including the strengthening of our reading and writing block. launching the Adventure Program and expanding our service opportunities for students,” he said.

Furthermore, Oldham said, he is proud of several academic developments which took place during his time there. “The Eagle Time Block, initially designed for daily intervention, has evolved to provide targeted enrichment opportunities,” he said. “Furthermore, our math program has been revitalized, and I am most proud of the way our teachers continuously differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of our students throughout each school day.”

Oldham credits the administrative team at Ripley with the progress he has seen. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group to work alongside,” he said. “Both Bill Caldwell and Michelle Waters have been incredibly professional, supportive and enthusiastic, as well as exceptional problem solvers. Together we’ve approached every initiative with a thoughtful and collaborative mindset, ensuring outstanding results.”

Oldham said that he has also grown as an educator during his time at Ripley. “I have been fortunate to receive exceptional professional development from Cindy Rice and O’Neil Arrington,” he said. “Cindy provided invaluable guidance on the structural and procedural changes necessary to drive meaningful change, while O’Neil shared his expertise in cultivating strong relationships and fostering a positive culture.”

The staff at Ripley has faced some great challenges during his time as principal, Oldham said. “I still vividly recall the monumental task of transitioning our school from an in-person model to a virtual one in the spring of 2020. This all happened in less than a week’s time,” he added. “Together we rallied to provide meals to families, establish clear templates and expectations for instruction, and even hosted virtual shared reading on our Facebook page. That experience was the closest thing I have encountered to building an airplane while flying.”

Oldham is in his 23rd year as an educator, with 12 years spent as a classroom teacher and 11 years as an administrator. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from St. Bonaventure University, followed by a Master of Science degree in elementary education from the University of Buffalo and a Master of Science degree in education administration from St. Bonaventure University.

Oldham resides in Jamestown with his wife and children, Ella, Bryn, and Mara. “I am the proud father of three wonderful daughters who bring immense joy to my life,” he said. “Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, reading, seeking out new adventures and spending quality time with my family.”

Oldham said the thing he will miss most about Ripley is the individuals who make it up. “Schools are about people. For the past seven years, this school has been my home, and it’s the incredible individuals who make up this special community that I will truly miss,” he said. “Ripley Central School truly is the best kept secret in Chautauqua County.”