On Tuesday, July 7, the Byron-Bergen Board of Education approved the appointment of Janelle Baker as the new Assistant Principal of the Jr./Sr. High School. She fills the vacancy left by Kathryn Grattan, who accepted the position as Director of Pupil Personnel Services at Keshequa Central School District. Baker describes her new position as “part coach, part teacher, part detective, part counselor, part event planner, part traffic director, part cheerleader, and full-time believer in students.”
“Ms. Baker embodies traits of hard work, character, and perseverance,” said High School Principal Paul Hazard. “We are extremely excited for her to make a positive difference with our students and staff. She will be a tremendous addition to our team, and I wholeheartedly welcome her to the Hive.”
In her new position, Baker is looking forward to building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families while becoming an active part of the school community. “There is something incredibly rewarding about being present in the daily life of a school. This includes celebrating successes, supporting students through challenges, encouraging teachers, and helping create an environment where everyone feels valued and connected. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to a culture where high expectations, trust, and genuine care help every student and adult reach their full potential.”
Prior to coming to Byron-Bergen, Baker served as the Mathematics and Early Literacy Coordinator at Genesee Valley BOCES, where she supported 22 component school districts with curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning. She also taught mathematics for eight years at Warsaw Central School District and spent nine years as an elementary teacher at Holley Central School District.
“Since I began my career in education, I have aspired to become a school leader. I have always envisioned serving in a role where I could make a lasting impact not only on students, but also on the teachers who inspire them and the school community they call home. Becoming the Jr./Sr. High School Assistant Principal in Byron-Bergen represents the opportunity to combine my classroom experience, regional leadership, and passion for student success into a role where I can make a meaningful difference every day.”
Baker earned a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Buffalo State University. She also completed advanced degrees in School Building Leadership and School District Leadership through the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education and Human Development. Baker’s first day was July 13, 2026.
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