6-12-26

Dear AMJHS Parents and Legal Guardians,

I am writing to share important information regarding the leadership of Aaron Mossell Junior High School for the 2026-2027 school year.

Effective July 1, 2026, Principal Dr. Kathleen Bailey – DiVito and Assistant Principal Mr. Joseph Baynes will be transferring to Emmet Belknap Intermediate School.

During their time at Aaron Mossell Junior High School, Dr. Bailey – DiVito and Mr. Baynes have made meaningful contributions to the school community. Working collaboratively with faculty and staff, they have helped strengthen instructional practices, support school improvement initiatives, enhance student learning opportunities, and advance efforts to improve outcomes for all students. We are grateful for their dedication, leadership, and service to the AMJHS community, and we wish them continued success in their new roles.

As a result of these transitions, the Lockport City School District will immediately begin the search process for both a permanent principal and assistant principal for Aaron Mossell Junior High School. Additional information regarding the search process, including opportunities for stakeholder involvement, will be shared with the school community in the coming weeks.

To ensure continuity of leadership during this transition, Mr. Tom Lyons will serve as Interim Principal of Aaron Mossell Junior High School beginning July 1, 2026. Mr. Lyons is familiar to many members of our school community, having previously served as Interim Principal at AMJHS two years ago. He brings extensive educational leadership experience, including 30 years as an elementary principal and 11 years as a Supervisor of Special Education Services in the Alden Central School District. In addition, he has served as an interim administrator in several Western New York school districts, including Williamsville Central School District and Warsaw Central School District.

Joining Mr. Lyons will be Mrs. Elizabeth Corieri, who will serve as Interim Assistant Principal. Mrs. Corieri recently retired after serving for 27 years as Principal of the Tuscarora Nation School within the Niagara Wheatfield Central School District. Prior to her administrative career, she served as a classroom teacher in Niagara Wheatfield for more than a decade. Mrs. Corieri brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and dedication to supporting students, families, and staff.

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Lyons back to Aaron Mossell Junior High School and extending a warm welcome to Mrs. Corieri.

In the coming weeks, the district will schedule opportunities for students, families, staff, and community members to meet both Mr. Lyons and Mrs. Corieri. Additional details regarding these meet-and-greet events will be shared as they become available.

Thank you for your continued support of Aaron Mossell Junior High School and the Lockport City School District. We appreciate your partnership as we work through this transition and prepare for a successful 2026-2027 school year.

Sincerely,
Dr. Mathis Calvin III
Superintendent of Schools
Lockport City School District