Jeffrey R. Rabey, Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent Depew Union Free School District
5201 S. Transit Road
Depew, NY 14043

Phone: (716) 686-5105
Fax: (716) 686-5101

Secretary to the Superintendent: Jessica Neischel
Phone: (716) 686-5104

Dear Depew School Community,

I would like to take this opportunity to update you on a few items of interest as we are finishing up our Fall activities and looking toward 2025.

First, I cannot express how wonderful it has been for me to re-acclimate myself back into the Depew Family after I retired in 2022. It feels like being home! I have been able to reconnect with students, families, faculty and staff and basically pick up where we left off. The conversations have allowed us to reminisce, but also to re-focus and rekindle our mission for our kids.

Second, as you may be aware, we have completed the next phase of the 2021 Capital Project, which included three key areas:

1.) The installation of air-conditioning at Cayuga Heights Elementary School
2.) The renovation and upgrade of our District-Wide Tennis and Basketball Courts, including the addition of Pickle Ball Courts
3.) The addition of a new auditorium at Cayuga Heights Elementary School. The ribbon cutting for the new auditorium took place on Tuesday, October 15th, and included special performances by our talented students.

Next, in an effort to re-focus, re-center and rekindle our mission and provide a smooth transition for the next privileged school leader for this school community, we deployed a Thought Exchange to all of our faculty and staff. The purpose of the engagement was to listen to the voices of our dedicated employees, to establish and understand our individual and collective purpose and identify specific areas of focus around future leadership. The responses were valuable, as we hope to create a more supportive, efficient and positive environment for both our staff and students. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a thriving school community where everyone feels valued and empowered.

When asked about their “Why”, our dedicated employees overwhelmingly pointed to our students. Here are just a few responses:

·         “My "Why" is rooted in my passion for helping others, especially kids. It gives me great joy to see former students who have succeeded - achieved their goals and/or overcame their obstacles.”

·         “To do what is best for children to help them grow academically, socially and emotionally. To create a community where everyone feels valued.”

·         “I love working with all children of different abilities and backgrounds and fostering their love of learning and school success.”

When asked about the “Best part of their day”, the responses were very similar. Here are a few more:

·         “When you have the ability to make others happy and valued.”

·         “Interacting with families and students.”

·         “Making connections with my students and celebrating their achievements.”

We then inquired about their “key thoughts on the future of Depew”, and the responses focused on hope for our students and families. Here are a few responses:

·         “I think that Depew has a bright future as long as everyone works together. The main focus should be on the students and how things can be made better for them.”

·         “I always tell others what a hidden little gem Depew is. We have amazing teachers, staff and students. It is truly a community.”

·         “The future of Depew is the continued commitment to the care and nurturing of the "whole child."

Finally, as we begin the search process for the next educational leader for the Depew school community, we felt that it was critical to have the faculty and staff identify, “the most important qualities that they need in leadership”. Here are just some of the common themes:

·         “Effective Communicator”

·         “Commitment to Academic Excellence”

·         “Transparent and Approachable”

·         “Trustworthy and Confident”

As the search process commences and we work toward having a new educational leader in place for the 2025-2026 school year, we will be updating the community regularly through the process. Please visit our website at depewschools.org for any updates.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey R. Rabey Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools