Amherst Central Names New Assistant Principal at Amherst Middle School

The Amherst Central School District has named Derek Kise, an administrator at Gateway-Longview Lynde School, as the new assistant principal at Amherst Middle School. He will begin work in January 2021. His appointment was approved by the Board of Education Dec. 15.

 

He has more than 15 years of experience with Gateway-Longview, advancing from a teacher’s assistant in 2005 to his most recent position as Director of Education/Principal where he supervised all academic and behavior operations for 150 students in grades K-12 as well as overseeing the professional development and supervision of 75 teachers, teacher assistants, aides, and crisis staff. He also monitored curriculum and classroom modifications for students in accordance with IEP specifications, as well as developed and implemented a new behavior modification program school-wide to build a positive culture (PBIS). He also collaborated with over 25 school districts to program and appropriately transition students.

 

As a teacher at Gateway-Longview, he taught social studies for 10 years at the middle and high school level for general education and special education/at-risk students. He enhanced the student-centered learning by implementing and integrating technology into his classes.

 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in social studies education, both from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He earned his New York State School Building Leader (SBL) Certification in October 2019 from Canisius College. He holds professional teaching certification in social studies grades 7-12. He has undergone training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI).

 

Mr. Kise fills the Amherst Middle School assistant principal position of Keith Crombie who was named principal at Newfane Middle School in December.

 

Mr. Kise, a resident of Clarence Center, also has experience in youth coaching and is the assistant JV football coach at Clarence High School. He was the assistant JV football coach at Williamsville East High School. He also coached JV and varsity girls basketball at North Tonawanda High School.

 

“We are very excited to welcome Mr. Kise to the Amherst family. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position and a passion for impacting continuous growth and improvement for all students,” said Anthony Panella, Superintendent, Amherst Central School District.