ANGOLA, N.Y. — The Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES Board of Education has appointed Dwight Eagan, Esq., as its new President. The transition, which took place during the Board’s reorganizational meeting held on Wednesday, July 2, highlights the conclusion of longtime President Ronald Catalano’s tenure.
During the meeting, District Superintendent and CEO David O’Rourke, Ph.D., praised Catalano’s leadership and thoughtfulness that went into a transition, noting he and his wife, Sally, have been planning for this moment.
“One of the things a good leader does is consider possibilities for succession,” O’Rourke said. “Ron’s support for Dwight as he assumes responsibilities as Board President this year will not only help Dwight, but will help our BOCES — which Ron has been committed to for the past 35 years.”
Catalano’s legacy includes decades of committed public service and a leadership style rooted in wisdom, humility, and student-centered decision-making. Dr. O’Rourke emphasized Catalano’s lasting influence on E2CCB and on his own growth as a leader.
“It has been such a privilege to work with and learn from Ron Catalano for the past 13 years,” O’Rourke said. “Ron has taught me a great deal, and he will continue to do that as he moves out of the presidency.”
Just last year, Catalano (Westfield) was honored by the Chautauqua County School Boards Association with the Friend of Education Award for serving nearly half a century on school boards between Westfield Academy & Central School District and E2CCB.
Reflecting on the transition, Catalano said, “I’ve been looking forward to somebody stepping up for some time, and I think Dwight is the perfect candidate to take my place. He’s young, he’s aggressive, and he has a lot of common sense. I think he’ll work very well with David and the rest of the administration.”
On his service as President, Catalano added, “It’s been an honor to serve the Board. I always tried to make E2CCB one of the best places to work for everyone. One of my proudest efforts has been helping to advance career and technical education. It’s been very rewarding to see the programs grow, be properly financed, and reach more and more students each year. I think we’re just at the beginning of doing even greater things.”
He also emphasized his ongoing support for the Board, stating, “I stand ready to support Dwight’s endeavors and to continue supporting the work of the Board moving forward.”
Eagan (Orchard Park), who has served on school boards for nearly a decade, beginning as early as age 20 when he was elected to the Orchard Park School Board, brings with him a new and ambitious energy to the Board.
“To have the confidence of my peers in this role means the world to me,” Eagan said. “Board service is elected but unpaid, and it reflects a true commitment to our students and communities. The reward is knowing that an E2CCB program, credential, or learning support greatly enhances our students’ odds in the game of life. I’m humbled and excited to lead this incredible team of dedicated board members.”
Following his appointment and the passing of the gavel and “President” nameplate by Dr. O’Rourke, Eagan was quick to praise his predecessor as “the gold standard of Board Presidents.”
“Ron always brought it back to the people that matter most — our students and our staff who nurture them forward,” Eagan said. “He genuinely celebrated the people who make our organization what it is. By Ron’s sincere example, I look forward to recognizing the student and staff successes that are sure to come.”
As a former school board member himself, elected fresh out of high school, Eagan also welcomed the Board’s inclusion of student ex-officio members, which begins this coming school year. He sees the new initiative as an opportunity to foster mutual learning between students and board members.
“I am confident the new development with student ex-officio members will be a fruitful one, with valuable perspective flowing both ways,” Eagan said. “It’s a chance for students to learn about governance, and for us to remain attuned to the student experience.”
The welcoming of a new Board President and student members will surely change meeting dynamics and open up the possibility of new perspectives.
“One of the challenges in an organization like ours, which serves component school systems, is that the focus of our work can often be pulled to adult perspectives on our programs. School districts are run and governed by adults,” O’Rourke acknowledged. “Internally within our organization, adults lead groups like administration, employee bargaining associations, and our campus communities. But ultimately, these groups all serve students. So our Board is looking forward to the opportunity to include student perspectives in Board meetings.”
Looking ahead, Dr. O’Rourke shared his optimism for the future.
“Dwight brings new perspectives and energy to our work,” O’Rourke added. “He is a talented professional and rising community leader who began volunteering his time in public service at the age of 20. His perspectives and insights have already contributed significantly in his time on the BOCES Board. He is attuned to the diverse communities and school systems that we serve, and I’m looking forward to our work together in this new role.”
Also, during the reorganizational meeting, Nancy Renckens (Dunkirk) was re-elected as the Vice President.
