Dr. Michael C. LaFever

A veteran educator with a wealth of school administration experience has been named principal of St. Benedict School in Eggertsville.

Michael C. LaFever, Ed.D, will assume leadership of the pre-K through eighth-grade school effective Oct. 19.

He was an elementary school principal in the Elba Central School District in Elba, and New Hartford Central Schools in New Hartford, N.Y., and an elementary school teacher in the Olean City School District.

For the past two years, Dr. LaFever has served as chief administrative officer for administration & auxiliary Services at Trocaire College in South Buffalo.  For six years, he was Trocaire's dean of program development and  enrollment management.  Prior to his service at Trocaire, he was superintendent of schools for two public districts:  South Country Central School District in East Patchogue, N.Y., and Ellicottville Central Schools.  He was director of curriculum, instruction & staff development for the Tonawanda City School District, director of tech prep for Niagara County Community College, and an adjunct faculty member at Buffalo State College.

"Dr. LaFever's vast experience in the classroom and in school administration will help us to continue on our pathway to academic excellence," said Father Robert M. Mock, pastor of St. Benedict Parish.  "Through his leadership and collaborative skills, our dedicated faculty and staff will continue to inspire the faith of our students, enrich their lives and provide innovative classroom instruction."

"I am excited to join the St. Benedict family of students, parents, faculty, staff and parishioners," LaFever said.  "St. Benedict's wonderful reputation as a Catholic institution of teaching and learning excellence is well known throughout the community.  To be a part of this faith-based learning environment that enriches the lives and personal growth of students is a professional experience I am eager to start."

LaFever is a member of St. Christopher Parish in Tonawanda, the Mount Mercy Academy board of trustees in South Buffalo and the Bishop's Council of the Laity.  He earned his educational doctorate  in organizational leadership from the State University of New York at Buffalo; a master's in educational administration from St. Bonaventure University, and both bachelor's and master's degrees in elementary education from Buffalo State College.