Esslinger Ross Esslinger began the summer like the other Iroquois High School administrators. He was celebrating another successful graduating class, while preparing himself for September’s inevitable arrival with a new group of students.

But then Iroquois had one of the largest administrative turnovers in Western New York, and Esslinger put himself in a position to benefit.

Esslinger began June as the assistant principal to Dennis Kenney. He begins September a principal Kenney. He begins September a principal himself, in charge of the district’s middle school.

“It’s a great place,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to continuing the relationship we have with the community and the traditions we have here. This is pretty much a family here, and I want to continue on with the great traditions that make it so.”

Esslinger, an East Aurora High School alum, graduated from Cortland State College with a degree in physical education. He began teaching at Wales Primary, but quickly found himself at Iroquois High School running the physical education and health department.

It was his experiences there that opened him up to the possibility of administration. He credits working with one of the high school’s assistant principals at the time, using a program to help connect with both students and parents, as the eye-opener to becoming a principal.

Esslinger decided to pursue his degree in administration at Canisius College. He graduated eight years ago and was named assistant principal at the high school four years ago.

“(His) ability to use data to improve instruction and his staff development presentations have had a positive impact on improving Iroquois High School’s academic performance,” Kenney said of Esslinger.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Bruce Fraser credits Esslinger’s concern for the students at the school as one of the reasons he decided to recommend him for the position to the district’s School Board.

“I’m here for all of the different students,” he said. “Part of my philosophy is that every student is different, that they all struggle with different problems. I want to make this a safe place where they feel safe. I want to make this a positive experience for them.”

Esslinger currently lives in Marilla with his wife, Dawn, two daughters, Brittany and Natalie, and son, Andrew.