West Seneca School District announces new superintendent one day before vote to adopt new budget

West Seneca, N.Y. (WBEN) - Just one day before the West Seneca Central School Board votes to adopt a new budget that could see the elimination of 47.5 full-time positions across the district, members announced Dr. Lisa Krueger will be replacing interim Superintendent Jeffrey Rabey as the new superintendent.

School Board president Elizabeth Gates says it took over 10 months to find an ideal candidate that is capable of doing the job in West Seneca.

"As we narrowed our pool and began the final interview process, we met an educator who not only checked every box, but brought with her an energy and optimism which left our seven member board each smiling from ear to ear," said Gates on Monday during a special introductory board meeting. "Dr. Krueger is a self made example of the power of public schooling. Her story is that of a little girl who worked for every opportunity offered her not only did she fight for those opportunities, but made the very most of each one, a teacher and assistant principal, a principal and assistant superintendent of instruction and the superintendent."

Krueger also spoke at the meeting and clarified that she is fully aware of the district's current financial situation, and is willing to take on the challenges associated with it.

"I look forward to embarking on as the solutions to the challenges that are facing the West Seneca Central School District, and I make that commitment to you to be a collaborative leader who listens first, and will work with all stakeholders to come up with the best solutions for our school community," said Krueger during her speech.

After the meeting, Krueger spoke with the media and shared what her first steps will be as the new superintendent.

"First-and-foremost, to be a leader of integrity, and that's really what I've spent my career doing," Krueger said. A leader of integrity, who's honest, who's fair, who says what I mean, and means what I say, and stand by my word. So I think first-and-foremost, I want to establish trusting relationships with all union leaders," Krueger said.

When asked if she will be involved with the budget meeting on Tuesday night, Krueger says she still has some business to attend to with a school board meeting in the Newfane Central School District, where she currently serves as superintendent.

"I will not be directly involved in tomorrow night's meeting. However, Dr. Rabey and I have already had an initial conversation. I will be working with Dr. Rabey to ensure a smooth transition," Krueger noted.

Krueger's officially starts her new position with the West Seneca Central School District on July 1.