Jun 20, 2026
SILVER CREEK — Not many resolutions at a Board of Education meeting receive a round of applause before they are read aloud. That says all you need to know about Albert VanDette.
Silver Creek’s beloved Spanish Teacher will retire this summer. A large crowd in the audience of the latest Board of Education meeting cheered as his retirement resignation came up on the agenda.
VanDette leaves Silver Creek officially on July 6 after 24 years of service to the district he grew up calling his own. VanDette said in his letter of resignation, “There have been so many memories and experiences I have had in this district, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. I appreciate all the support and encouragement from the SCCS family from my years as a student and now as a teacher. This has been a rewarding experience, and l am grateful for the opportunities, support, and relationships I have gained through my employment.”
VanDette said he needed time to be mentally prepared for his retirement becoming official. He said he came to the “confident decision” with mixed emotions, as he called his experience working with his colleagues “meaningful and fulfilling.”
VanDette said, “It’s the weirdest feeling to see it in print.” He joked after the meeting about how he will feel seeing it on the front page of the OBSERVER.
“I did not make this decision lightly. I just came to the conclusion that it was just time to go to the next chapter of my life. It’s been a good run, and I want to leave while I’m still happy. Leave when you’re on top, that’s what they always say – and that’s what I’m going to do,” VanDette said.
VanDette began his affiliation with the district as a student in 1975, initially downtown in the village before being welcomed into the new building that stands today. “I remember walking into that brand new school in the elementary building. I was just in awe of everything,” VanDette said.
VanDette graduated from Silver Creek High School and pursued a career in education that began in Brocton. After nine years at the Brocton Central School District, he was presented with the opportunity to return home to Silver Creek. He has not looked back for the past 24 years in Silver Creek.
“I have 33 years in education, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” VanDette said. “Of course I had disagreements with people, but you work it out. At the end of the day, it’s always the same – it’s always about being present, being there for everybody. Thank you for trusting me with your children, your staff members, and your administrators. I can’t say enough.”
Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston said, “Albert is the perfect person who knows how to put the right comedic relief at the right time for anyone who may need it, but also just the quick little boost of encouragement when we need it, as well.” She said to VanDette, “You will certainly be missed. You are certainly a pillar of the school, and someone who will be talked about for very many years to come.”
A mother is trying to sue Pine Valley School District over alleged abuse of her two children that she says …
HANOVER — Bernie Feldmann has lived a life dedicated to serving others. Now it is time for his community to pay …
A Forestville resident is facing charges after an altercation from last month. At roughly 09:30 a.m. Thursday, …
Copyright © 2026 Ogden Newspapers of New York, Inc. | https://www.observertoday.com | PO Box 391, Dunkirk, NY 14048 | 716-366-3000
Leave a Reply