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Kyle Yelich, the new Northern Chautauqua Catholic School principal, with family.
Chautauqua County’s only Catholic school has announced it has a new principal.
On Thursday, the Board of Trustees of Northern Chautauqua Catholic School announced it officially approved the appointment of Kyle Yelich of Fredonia. He replaces Andrew Ludwig, who stepped down July 1 due to health concerns after 5 1/2 years.
“After a thorough interview process, the (Board of Trustees) is confident Kyle’s background, skillset and strong Christian faith will provide leadership that enables NCCS to build on our long history of success,” said board Chair Jessica Milliman Estus. “The Board of Trustees thanks former Principal Andy Ludwig for his years of service at NCCS.”
Yelich comes to NCCS after two years at Silver Creek Central School, where he was high school principal. He has six years of teaching experience at Randolph Academy, and served as an assistant principal for two years, high school principal for one, and pupil personnel specialist for another year. In addition, he served as district coordinator of curriculum and instruction at Global Concepts Charter School. Prior to teaching Yelich served in the Air Force from 2003 until 2012.
A parishioner of Holy Trinity Church in Dunkirk, Yelich also serves on the United Way Board of Directors.
Yelich’s predecessor, Ludwig, was named a “Difference Maker” in 2019 by the OBSERVER for his work in rejuvenating the location at Fourth Street and Washington Avenue.
Ludwig, who retired as Fredonia Middle School principal in 2018, was noted in that article as bringing a fresh attitude to the school. “I’m the one surrounded by difference makers: our teachers, our board, our parents,” he said. “All I have to do is support these people.”
His email last month indicated he was confident with who the board chose to be his successor. “NCCS is fully staffed and scheduled for the 2024-25 school year,” Ludwig wrote. “Whoever succeeds me will take over a wonderful and well run school filled with amazing children and a loving team of dedicated teachers and staff.”
