West Genesee has two new principals for the coming school year.

Stephen Dunham was appointed April 4 as the new principal of West Genesee Middle School. He succeeds Earl Sanderson, who retired from the school district at the end of June.

Dunham has 12 years of experience at the middle school, having been the assistant principal the past two years and a sixth grade social studies for 10 years.

“It is an honor to be serving as the principal of West Genesee Middle School,” he said. “To say that I am excited would be an understatement. This is a special community that gives incredible support to our students and we have an amazing staff and faculty. I feel very fortunate to be a part of it!”

He said he looks forward to collaborating with the learning community to “constantly improve in every aspect of what we do in order to maximize student achievement and learning. It’s about trying to get better each day.”

Dunham completed his administrative internship at WGMS and has also been a summer school principal at West Genesee. A graduate of West Genesee High School, Steve earned a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College in marketing, his teaching certification in elementary education from SUNY Cortland, and a master’s degree in special education from Le Moyne College. He earned his certificate of advanced studies in educational administration from SUNY Cortland.

Brent Suddaby started as principal for grades three through five at Stonehedge Elementary School on Aug. 8.

“I am thrilled to be Stonehedge Elementary School’s Gold Team Principal,” he said. “We have a wonderful community that values education and our faculty is outstanding. I’m very proud to part of this team.”

Suddaby’s last job was as principal of Tully Elementary. Before that he was the director of pupil services at Mexico Central School District, where he also completed his administrative internship. He has taught at Westhill, Le Moyne College, OCM BOCES and Liverpool.

At Stonehedge, he said plans to “work with the faculty and families to ensure that every child has an educational experience that not only increases their knowledge and skills, but also promotes their love of learning.”

Suddaby received his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland and a master’s degree from SUNY Oswego. He received a certificate of advanced studies in educational leadership from SUNY Cortland.

Ned Campbell is editor of the Eagle-Observer. Reach him at [email protected].