JAMESTOWN, N.Y. –  The Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education has approved the appointment of Michelle Buccola as the next Principal of Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, effective Aug. 26. Buccola, the current assistant principal at Persell Middle School, succeeds Katie Russo, who recently joined the JPS district office as Executive Director of Information & Student Services.

“We were fortunate to have an exceptionally talented pool of candidates for this position, and Michelle distinguished herself throughout the process through her thoughtful approach, clear vision, and unwavering focus on students,” said Dr. Kevin Whitaker, JPS Superintendent. “She has been a strong and respected leader at Persell Middle School, and we are confident she will bring that same care, consistency, and commitment to the students, staff, and families of Lincoln Elementary School.”

“Michelle is a thoughtful leader who listens carefully, builds strong relationships, and approaches every decision with the needs of students and staff at the center,” said Tina Sandstrom, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction & School Improvement. “Her leadership at Persell has helped create a supportive environment in which people feel valued and empowered to grow. Lincoln is gaining a dedicated principal who will honor the school’s strong community while working collaboratively to lead it forward.”

Buccola joined Persell Middle School in 2024 after spending 12 years at Paul B.D. Temple Elementary School in Falconer, where she served as an AIS Reading and Math teacher. At Temple, she administered a learning loss tutoring program among other responsibilities. She began her career with JPS as a behavior modified instructor and also a teacher for the adolescent health unit at the Jones Hill Mental Health Facility.

“I am incredibly honored to build on the strong foundation Mrs. Russo established at Lincoln Elementary and am so excited to get to know Lincoln’s students, staff, families, and community as we work together to support every student’s achievement, growth, and success,” Buccola said. “I am also deeply grateful for my time at Persell Middle School and for the opportunity to work alongside Traci Thompson and such a dedicated staff. I will always cherish the relationships I built and the experiences we shared.”

Buccola holds an associate’s degree from SUNY Jamestown Community College, a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Fredonia, a master’s degree from Edinboro University, and her administrative certificates from SUNY Fredonia.