POLAND — The Poland Board of Education has announced the appointment of Poland Seminary High School Assistant Principal Michael Daley as the district’s next superintendent, beginning with the 2027-28 school year.

“This milestone reflects both a celebration of Daley’s exceptional career at Poland and the district’s commitment to strong, steady leadership rooted in community,” a district news release states.

Over the course of the upcoming school year, Daley will spend time alongside Interim Superintendent Andrew Tommelleo while fulfilling his role at the high school to further develop his leadership at the district level and ensure a seamless and thoughtful transition.

Daley has dedicated more than two decades to serving the students, families and staff of Poland schools. Since 2002, he has been a teacher, principal at Dobbins and high school assistant principal, earning a reputation as a passionate and collaborative educator and a respected leader among his peers, the release states. He will be the first internal hire as superintendent since 1968 when Milan Pavlov entered the role.

The board in February had interviewed several candidates for the superintendent’s position, including Tommelleo, but later decided not to hire any of them in order to hire an internal candidate.

Daley has deep personal ties to the community. His family’s connection to the district spans generations — his wife, Megan, is a member of the Class of 1998, and their three children continue that tradition. His son, Michael, a district graduate, is attending the United States Naval Academy studying mechanical engineering, while their two daughters, McKenna and Madelyn, are both students at the high school.

“We are thrilled to appoint a leader who not only brings outstanding experience and vision, but who truly understands and loves this community. Mr. Daley’s dedication, character, and deep roots here make him uniquely suited to lead our district forward,” Poland Board of Education President Troy Polis stated.

“The board is confident that under Mr. Daley’s leadership, the district will continue to thrive and build on its strong tradition of excellence.”