July 7, 2023

As we close out the first official week of the 2023-24 school year, we have some important administrative personnel changes to share.

Dr. Patrick Irving has been selected as the next Athletic Director at Pittsford Schools. Dr. Irving has served as Gates Chili’s Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics since 2016. He is expected to move into his new role in mid-August.

As a result of this change, High School Principal Ken Hammel will move into the role of Interim Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics. Mr. Hammel served in this role for two years prior to becoming high school principal and will help maintain our outstanding programs, opportunities and strong sense of community.

This change will also result in Assistant Principal Tom Hammel moving into the role of interim principal and high school science teacher Laura Braid moving into the role of interim assistant principal at the high school. Mr. Hammel has been an assistant principal at Gates Chili High School since 2019 and Mrs. Braid has been a Gates Chili Spartan for 20 years. They have both filled these roles on a short-term basis in the past and are prepared to support students and staff in this new way this fall.

All internal changes will take effect on Aug. 1, pending Board of Education approval on Tuesday, July 11. In the meantime, please join me in thanking Dr. Irving for his leadership these past seven years and wishing him well in his new role. Thanks also to Mr. K Hammel, Mr. T Hammel and Mrs. Braid for agreeing to step in and lead during this time of transition.