‘Loved every day’: Hamburg superintendent Cornell reflects on ups and downs

Key Takeaways:

• Transformed Hamburg Central School District from turmoil to stability over ten years.
• Fostered consistent leadership and collaboration with a steady School Board.
• Navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for safe return to schools.
• Championed youth mental health initiatives like SMART.
• Took ownership of challenges, including budget constraints and layoffs.

A Decade of Transformation

When Michael Cornell sat down for breakfast with David O’Rourke at a bagel shop in Orchard Park in early 2015, he received a stark warning. O’Rourke, superintendent of Erie 2 BOCES, advised him against pursuing the open superintendent position at Hamburg Central School District. The district was ensnared in turmoil: public sparring within the School Board, a superintendent who resigned after filing a false police report against a board member, and over $400,000 spent in legal battles.

Choosing to Lead Amid Chaos

Despite the cautions, Cornell, then the principal of Amherst Middle School, saw potential where others saw dysfunction. “I loved every day of this job,” Cornell reflected. “On the hard days, it’s good; on the good days, it’s hard. I don’t sit here and look back and regret being 100% responsible for every one of those days.”

He remembered a symbolic moment from the district’s turbulent times—a gavel breaking as it was pounded to restore order at a chaotic board meeting. Determined to mend the fractures, Cornell embraced the challenge of uniting a divided community.

Restoring Stability and Collaboration

One of Cornell’s primary goals was to establish harmony among the district’s leadership. For nine of his ten years, the same seven School Board members served alongside him. “The people didn’t change necessarily, but the way we led the district changed,” he noted. Together, they developed a strategic plan focusing on cultivating “modern thinkers” and empowering students with “agency.”

By fostering a culture of leadership that connected the School Board, administrators, and teachers, Cornell helped the district move past its contentious history. “We led in a way that brought people together,” he said. “That allowed us to change the district together.”

Navigating the Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools in March 2020, Cornell, as president of the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents Association, became a prominent figure in efforts to reopen schools safely. “We were figuring things out in real time,” he recalled. His priority was to “get kids back in school as quickly and safely as we could,” recognizing that many students depended on schools for meals, safety, and support.

Cornell often found himself in discussions with Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “We didn’t always agree about how it should play out,” Cornell admitted. However, Poloncarz appreciated his dedication, stating, “I appreciate his candor and ability to work with our team to ensure the safety of not only the students but the entire community.”

Advocating for Mental Health

Recognizing the looming mental health crisis exacerbated by the pandemic, Cornell collaborated with Erie County mental health commissioner Mark O’Brien to establish Supporting Mental Health by Advocating for Resources Together (SMART) in 2022. The initiative created a coalition of schools and mental health resources aimed at providing seamless support for students in need.

“This is a groundbreaking coalition,” O’Brien remarked. “Working together to make mental and emotional wellness an integral part of a student’s educational success.”

Facing Financial Challenges

Despite previous years of increased state funding, the district faced budget constraints due to the expiration of COVID-19 relief funds and a decline in student enrollment. This financial pinch led to the difficult decision to lay off 20 employees. “It was tough,” Cornell acknowledged. “Something happened in the business office—when you’re the superintendent, you own it. I did.”

Looking Ahead

As Cornell prepares to hand over the reins to Thomas Adams, the district’s middle school principal and incoming superintendent, he reflects on his journey. He plans to continue his work with the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents Association and lead a Superintendent Development Program through SUNY Buffalo State University.

“Coming into a district that people said couldn’t be run and showing people that it’s a wonderful district that could serve kids well and had enormous strengths,” Cornell reflected. “If you could bring it all together, kids would learn, families would want to live and stay here, and people would want to come here and work and spend their careers here.”

David O’Rourke, recalling that breakfast years ago, now praises Cornell’s impact. “I’m very glad he didn’t take my advice and took it anyway,” O’Rourke said. “That does show a lot about Mike. He’s not afraid of a challenge.”