Sidari back on Albion BOE to fill vacancy with Bennett’s return to high school staff
Press Release, Albion Central School
ALBION – David Sidari has been appointed as an interim member of the Albion Board of Education.
On Monday, the BOE officially appointed Sidari, former Albion BOE member for 25 years, to fill the vacancy left by Ocie Bennett Jr., who stepped down in December 2024 to take a position at Albion High School.
“I look forward to filling the vacant board seat for the rest of the school year,” Sidari said. “Having retired from the board at the end of last year, I am familiar with the other members and look forward to working with them again. A lot of great things are taking place including school culture improvement and, most importantly, student achievement.”
Sidari was on the board until his fifth term expired on June 30, 2024.
Mickey Edwards, Superintendent of ACS, said he is looking forward to working with Sidari for the remainder of the academic year.
“It was an honor to have worked closely with Dave on the board and we are grateful to him for stepping up as we navigate this transition,” Edwards said.
The superintendent of schools also said he is excited that Bennett is returning to work as a teaching assistant in Albion High School.
“It’s like he never left,” Edwards joked. “We are pleased to extend a warm ACS welcome to Ocie as he returns to work at the high school.”
Previously, Bennett worked in Albion district for 20 years before resigning for another opportunity in 2021. He was elected to the Albion BOE in 2022.
“We are all excited for Ocie’s return to Albion CSD and for his continued impact upon our district as he supports our students, staff, families and community,” said Jennifer Ashbery, principal at Albion High School.
There will be three seats open in the BOE election this spring: two 5-year terms and one 2-year term.
Once the results are in, the two candidates with the most votes will be appointed to the board for full five-year terms. Whoever comes in third will take over for Sidari this July and be up for re-election in 2027.
