For Albert Buell, community service is an important part of life. He recently completed his 15th-year on the Holley Board of Education, four of which he served as president and three as vice president. "Al has dedicated his life to providing educational opportunities for students and serving his community," said Superintendent Vernon Hobbs. "I am honored to have had an opportunity to work with him to improve our schools." Buell said he decided to run for a position on the board in 1987 when the state began changing the standards for education. "I wanted to be a part of making sure that the standards were being implemented the right way," he said. Looking at the board's accomplishments over the past 15 years, Buell said he's most proud of being a contributing factor in raising the district's standards of education. "More students are graduating and going on to college than ever before," he said. Finding the means to update the elementary and high schools was another major hurdle the board overcame during Buell's tenure. Such accomplishments were made possible with the board working closely together as a team, he added. Buell began his teaching career in the Holley School District, then took a job with Byron-Bergen School District as a technology teacher five years later. He also taught a two-year apprenticeship at Gleason Works in Rochester. The former teacher also enjoys coaching. At Holley, he started a cross-country team and coached the first league wrestling team. At Byron-Bergen, he was the girls' track coach for 25 years. Buell earned the title "Coach of the Year" several years during his coaching career. He also taught driver's education in Lyndonville for 27 summers. In addition to serving on the Holley Board of Education, Buell attained the award of International Senator through the Holley Jaycees. He is currently fire commissioner for the Fancher, Hulberton and Murray Fire District, an elected position he's held for 17 years. Buell is a member of the Genesee Region Technology Association and president of the Retired Teachers' Association for Orleans County as well. Buell, a lifelong resident of Holley, and his wife, Joan, have three children and five grandchildren. |
