Less than a year after hiring a new superintendent, the Canaseraga Central School District is in the market for another school chief.
The Canaseraga School Board Aug. 6 accepted the resignation of Superintendent Josie Steiner, effective Aug. 31.
At the same meeting, board members approved Matthew McGarrity’s appointment as deputy superintendent of schools, retroactive to Aug. 4.
McGarrity will serve as the school district’s interim superintendent starting on Sept. 1 and lead the Allegany County public school system while it conducts another superintendent search.
Steiner, a former curriculum coordinator at Arkport Central School, was hired by Canaseraga last October and began working as superintendent on Jan. 1, 2026. She succeeded long-time Canaseraga School Superintendent Chad Groff.
The Canaseraga School Board released a statement in July announcing Steiner’s decision to leave the district. The statement said Steiner felt “honored” to have served at Canaseraga Central but planned to pursue a position “better suited for her family’s needs during this particular season of life.”
GST BOCES District Superintendent Stacy Saglibene will provide the school board with assistance during the superintendent search process, as she has done previously, the school board said.
No timeline for hiring a new permanent superintendent has been announced.
Interim superintendent led Orchard Park schools for 11 years
McGarrity brings a wealth of experience in school administration and extensive familiarity with the region to the interim job at Canaseraga.
McGarrity retired in 2021 after 11 years as superintendent of the Orchard Park School District. Prior to joining Orchard Park, McGarrity was the superintendent of the Dansville Central School District.
McGarrity is also a former Wayland-Cohocton Middle School principal. He served as interim superintendent of the Arkport Central School District during the 2025-26 academic year.
“I am very familiar with the area. I am excited about the opportunity to work with everybody here at Canaseraga, get to know them and help out as much as I can,” McGarrity said.
McGarrity expects a smooth transition. He said getting started in August is beneficial.
“There are a lot of things that need to be done to prepare for the new school year. Summers are a very busy time in the district office. That is part of the rational of having me work with Mrs. Steiner now to help prepare for a smooth opening (of school),” McGarrity said.
Canaseraga has a K-12 student enrollment of approximately 190 students.
The first day of school for Canaseraga students is Tuesday, Sept. 8.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Canaseraga school superintendent leaves district after 8 months
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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By Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune | USA TODAY Network
