SPENCERPORT, N.Y. — The Spencerport Central School District is preparing for a leadership change. Superintendent Dan Milgate is wrapping up his last two months as leader of Ranger country.

Milgate doesn't have too far to go to look back at where his career in education began.

What You Need To Know

  • Spencerport Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dan Milgate plans to retire in January

  • The BOE will determine the next steps in the search process for a new superintendent

  • Milgate has been working in education for 30 years

"I am going to miss it, a lot of pride behind it too," said Milgate as we walked around Canal View Elementary School.

Milgate was the principal at Canal View when it opened in 2003. He still checks in with students and staff. He stopped in and read a book to kindergarteners.

Milgate is a veteran educator whose tenure runs deep in Spencerport. He's spent 30 years in education, 25 of them in the Spencerport Central School District, and the last three as superintendent. This guy bleeds Ranger pride.

"Spencerport has been my entire career, so I've has great opportunities and I can't be more thankful for that," said Milgate. "It's been a place that, because of the partnerships and the people I work with, that I've been able to move through the system and keep my career here in Spencerport. I am grateful for that."

Milgate is set to retire in January. He says the timing is right for a deeper focus on family, friends and volunteering.

His are not easy shoes to fill: Great school leaders build relationships with not only teachers, but students, parents, and the community.

"As happy as I am for him, it will be a loss for us. He's been such a great mentor for me as a teacher and just a great leader for the kids. We will really miss him a lot," said Heather Shaw, Spencerport kindergarten teacher.