Board names interim facilities director, accepts retirements as district readies for school opening

The Niagara Falls board on July 31 approved classified personnel actions that accept multiple retirements and name Michael Macri to serve as interim director of facilities. Trustees said the appointment is temporary while the city and district continue a civil‑service canvass to fill a permanent facilities director position.

Trustees noted the recent retirement of long‑time facilities director Earl Smeal, who retired at the end of July. Board members praised both Smeal and departing custodial staff at Abbott School, and they said the district has identified internal candidates to ensure continuity. Board member Robert McLeod said he inspected Abbott and reported the custodian staff were "right on top of it and right on schedule." The board approved the classified report, including the interim appointment, by roll call vote.

The interim appointment is a short‑term measure: district leaders said the city’s canvass of candidates is continuing and is not scheduled to conclude before the start of the school year. The superintendent said Macri, a district electrician, had volunteered and is well regarded among facilities staff; Macri is to begin duties the Monday after the meeting.

Board members also recognized retirements among custodial and support staff, specifically citing Edward (Eddie) Street and porter John Egan from Abbott School. Trustees offered formal thanks for their years of service and noted replacements or interim coverage were in place ahead of the school year.

The classified report and the superintendent’s personnel notes were approved in a single roll call vote; one board member recorded an abstention on an unrelated page of the personnel packet. The superintendent told trustees he would provide a list of short‑term priorities for the interim facilities director and expected a normal schedule of facilities work and capital projects to continue through August and into early September.