Grover Cleveland High School was a

high school A secondary school describes an institution that provides secondary education and also usually includes the building where this takes place. Some secondary schools provide both '' lower secondary education'' (ages 11 to 14) and ''upper seconda ...

located in

Buffalo, New York Buffalo is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of New York (behind only New York City) and the seat of Erie County. It is at the eastern end of Lake Erie, at the head of the Niagara River, and is across the Canadian border from Sou ...

. It is named for former U.S. president and Buffalo mayor

Grover Cleveland Stephen Grover Cleveland (March 18, 1837June 24, 1908) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 22nd and 24th president of the United States from 1885 to 1889 and from 1893 to 1897. Cleveland is the only president in American ...

and generally housed students from Grades 9 - 12, teaching according to the

Board of Regents In the United States, a board often governs institutions of higher education, including private universities, state universities, and community colleges. In each US state, such boards may govern either the state university system, individual c ...

. Currently, the school building houses The International Preparatory School.

History

Grover Cleveland High School was originally constructed in 1913 as the home to

Buffalo State College The State University of New York College at Buffalo (colloquially referred to as Buffalo State College, SUNY Buffalo State, Buffalo State, or simply Buff State) is a public college in Buffalo, New York. It is part of the State University of New ...

,Hammersley, M. (1993, October 1). Concern voiced for students at Grover officials act to curb unrest outside school. ''The Buffalo News'' then known as Buffalo Teacher's School. In 1931, Grover Cleveland High School was formed as a school serving the Lower West Side of Buffalo. The building was renovated in 1959, where an addition was built onto the northern end of the school that contained classrooms, a swimming pool, and a new gymnasium.LpciminelliInc. (2012). ''YouTube.com''.

ideo IDEO () is a design and consulting firm with offices in the U.S., England, Germany, Japan, and China. It was founded in Palo Alto, California, in 1991. The company's 700 staff uses a design thinking approach to design products, services, enviro ...

Retrieved 02/15/2013 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedd ed&v=V7h_o5IZgUg During the 1970s, Grover was designated as the school to serve foreign language-speaking students within the City of Buffalo.Heaney, J., & Sorenson, J. (1996, November 22). State places city high school mired in woes on probation. ''The Buffalo News'', p. A1. In 2007, the building began housing two schools, Grover Cleveland High School, and the International Preparatory School, a math and science magnet affiliated with the

College Board The College Board is an American nonprofit organization that was formed in December 1899 as the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) to expand access to higher education. While the College Board is not an association of colleges, it runs a ...

. In 2010, Grover Cleveland High School was closed to new due to low graduation rates and increasing incidents of student violence and possession of weapons. The final class of seniors graduated in 2011. From 2011 until June 2013, the building was renovated and re-opened to students at International Preparatory School and the new

STAR Academy ''Star Academy'', called ''Operación Triunfo'' ("Operation Triumph") in Spanish-speaking countries, is a highly successful television pop music talent contest with viewer voting and reality show elements. Format There are many versions of t ...

in Fall 2013.

Former principals

''Previous assignment and reasons for departure listed in parentheses'' *Mr. Charles A. Kennedy–1931-1951 (Vice Principal - East High School, retired) *Mr. John F. Devine–1951-1962 (Vice Principal - Grover Cleveland High School, died) *Mr. Martin B. O'Donnell–1962-1967, 1968-1970 (Assistant Principal - Lafayette High School, named Principal of

Hutchinson Central Technical High School Hutchinson Central Technical High School, informally known as Hutch-Tech, is a high school in the City of Buffalo, New York. Its founding on September 14, 1904 under the name ''Mechanics Arts High School'' marked the beginning of technical educatio ...

) *Dr. John A. Demerly nterimndash;1967-1968 (Assistant Principal - Grover Cleveland High School,John Demerly, retired Canisius professor. (1993, November 25). The Buffalo News, p. C10. returned to position) *Mr. Daniel M. Kublitz nterimndash;1970-1971 (Assistant Principal - Grover Cleveland High School, named Assistant Principal of Bennett High SchoolAnderson, D. (1999, March 13). Daniel M. Kublitz, principal, broadcaster. ''The Buffalo News'', p. B8.) *Mr. Ronald J. Meer–1971-1975 (Vice Principal -

Woodlawn Junior High School Woodlawn may refer to: * ''Woodlawn'' (film), a 2015 film *St John's College, Woodlawn, a school in New South Wales, Australia Populated places Australia * Woodlawn, Queensland, a neighbourhood in Moola, Western Downs region Canada *Woodlawn, N ...

, named Principal of Bennett High School) *Mr. John E. Ward–1975-1979 (Principal -

Genesee-Humboldt Junior High School Buffalo Public Schools serves approximately 34,000 students in Buffalo, New York, the second largest city in the state of New York. It is located in Erie County of western New York and operates nearly 70 facilities. History The Buffalo Public Sc ...

, retiredDawson, D. (1993, August 18). 'Owego connection' links Ward, school chief Murphy. ''The Buffalo News'') *Mr. Rocco A. Lamparelli–1979-1985 (Supervising Principal - South Buffalo Public Schools, named Acting Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education for Buffalo Public SchoolsHammersley, M. (1990, March 27). Cleveland educator withdraws as candidate to head buffalo schools. ''The Buffalo News'', p. TRK.) *Mr. John H. Davis–1985-1989 (Assistant Principal - Bennett High School, retired) *Mr. Benjamin L. Randle, Jr.–1989-2004 (Principal -

Buffalo Alternative High School The Academy School 131 (also known as Alternative High School) is an alternative school located in Buffalo, New York. It has gone through two separate eras, and was located at 268 Oak Street in Downtown Buffalo. The original Buffalo Alternative Hig ...

, retiredSimon, P. (2004, February 3). Choosing retirement - the uncertainty of contract negotiations has teachers and administrators thinking about an early out. ''The Buffalo News'', p. A1.) *Mr. Kevin J. Eberle–2004-2007 (Principal -

West Seneca West Senior High School West Seneca West Senior High is a public, co-educational high school in the West Seneca Central School District and serves grades nine through twelve in West Seneca, New York, United States. It is accredited by the New York State Board of Regents. ...

,Simon, P. (2004, August 11). New principals take over. ''The Buffalo News'', p. B1. named Principal of the International Preparatory School at GroverSimon, P. (2007, July 12). Williams fills two key posts. ''The Buffalo News'', p. B3.) *Dr. Casey M. Young Welch–2007-2010 (Acting Principal -

Harriet Ross Tubman School Buffalo Public Schools serves approximately 34,000 students in Buffalo, New York, the second largest city in the state of New York. It is located in Erie County of western New York and operates nearly 70 facilities. History The Buffalo Public Sc ...

, named Principal of

Academy School 131 @ 44 The Academy School 131 (also known as Alternative High School) is an alternative school located in Buffalo, New York. It has gone through two separate eras, and was located at 268 Oak Street in Downtown Buffalo. The original Buffalo Alternative Hig ...

Pasciak, M. B. (2010, August 26). New principals, assistants win board approval for city schools. ''The Buffalo News'', p. B5.)

Selected former assistant principals

''Previous assignment and reasons for departure listed in parentheses'' *Mr. Thomas J. McDonnell–1931-1937 (Social Studies teacher - South Park High School, named Principal of Kensington High School) *Mr. Randolph Lindeman–1937-1939 (unknown, named Assistant Principal of

) *Mr. John Devine–1939-1951 (Principal - South Park Annex, named Principal of Grover Cleveland High School) *Mr. Charles J. Monan–1951-1954 (Teacher - South Park High School, died) *Dr. Louis T. Gitlin–1954-1958 (Assistant Principal - East High School, named Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services of Buffalo Public Schools) *Mr. Earl G. Beech–1958-1961 (Assistant Principal -

School 44 A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is sometimes compulsor ...

, died) *Mr. Angelo J. Gianturco–1961-1966 (Science teacher - Grover Cleveland High School, named Principal of Kensington High School) *Dr. John A. Demerly–1966-1967 (Assistant Principal - South Park High School, named Acting Principal of Grover Cleveland High School) *Mr. Daniel M. Kublitz–1966-1970 (English teacher - Bennett High School, named Interim Principal of Grover Cleveland High School) *Mrs. Doris H. Erickson-Gleason–1967-1968 (Science teacher - Riverside High School, named Assistant Principal of Southside Junior High School) *Dr. John Demerly–1968-1969 (Interim Principal - Grover Cleveland High School, retired) *Mr. Epifanio J. Saia–1969-1979 (Italian teacher - Grover Cleveland High School, died) *Mr. Daniel J. Manley nterimndash;1970-1971 (Social Studies teacher - Grover Cleveland High School, returned to teaching) *Mr. J. Nelson Scott–1971-1972 (Assistant Principal - East High School, named Principal of Roosevelt Elementary School) *Mr. Daniel Manley–1972-1985 (Social Studies teacher - Grover Cleveland High School, named Assistant Principal of McKinley Vocational High School) *Mr. Stanley J. Wegrzynowski *Mr. Charles L. Sodaro–1979-1988 (Assistant Principal - Riverside High School, named Assistant Principal of Emerson Vocational High School) *Mr. David E. Baez–1985-1993 (Spanish teacher - Grover Cleveland High School, named Principal of Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy) *Mr. Daniel Manley–1988-? (Assistant Principal - McKinley Vocational High School, unknown) *Mr. Raymond D. Perreault–1989-1993 (English teacher - Grover Cleveland High School, named Principal of Buffalo Alternative High SchoolSimon, P. (1995, July 27). New principals named at 12 city schools. ''The Buffalo News'', p. B5.) *Ms. Sharon A. Lanza–1990-1994 (Math teacher - Grover Cleveland High School, named Assistant Principal of Lafayette High School) *Mr. Jon G. Lyon–1993-1997 (Assistant Principal - Kensington High School, named Principal of Emerson Vocational High SchoolJon G. Lyon
Retired Buffalo School Principal.
(2011, September 28). ''The Buffalo News''.) *Dr. Eileen H. Czarnecki–1999-2001 (Math teacher - Buffalo Public Schools, named Principal of Kensington High SchoolSapong, E. D. (2001, November 23). Kensington High blames principal for woes. The Buffalo News, p. C2.) *Dr. Josephine Mayfield (Spanish teacher - Buffalo Public Schools, named Director of Foreign Languages of

Buffalo Public Schools Buffalo Public Schools serves approximately 34,000 students in Buffalo, New York, the second largest city in the state of New York. It is located in Erie County of western New York and operates nearly 70 facilities. History The Buffalo Public Sc ...

) *Ms. Robin L. Hahn–2000-2001 (SURR Coordinator - Grover Cleveland High School, named Assistant Principal of Leonardo da Vinci High School) *Mr. Albert T. Ventresca–2001-2004 (Business teacher - Grover Cleveland High School, retired) *Ms. Kathleen A. Vitagliano–?-2003 (English teacher - Kensington Prep, named Principal of 171 Middle School) *Mr. Carlos J. Villarroel–2002-2003 (Assistant Principal - Kensington High School, named Assistant Principal of

Burgard Vocational High School Burgard Vocational High School is a vocational high school located in Buffalo, New York, USA. It enrolls approximately 600 students from Grades 9 - 12 and teaches according to the Board of Regents. The current principal is Mr. Eric Johnson, and t ...

) *Ms. Mary A. Craig–2003-2004 (Assistant Principal - Burgard Vocational High School, retired) *Mrs. Naomi R. Cerre–2004-2005 (Assistant Principal - McKinley Vocational High School, named Assistant Principal of East High School) *Dr. Jose G. Rivera–2004-2008 (Assistant Principal -

West Hertel Academy Buffalo Public Schools serves approximately 34,000 students in Buffalo, New York, the second largest city in the state of New York. It is located in Erie County of western New York and operates nearly 70 facilities. History The Buffalo Public Sc ...

, retired) *Dr. Eileen Czarnecki–2004-2005 (Principal - South Park High School, named Assistant Principal of

Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts The Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (BAVPA) is a magnet performing arts high school and part of Buffalo, New York's public school system. It serves grades 5-12 and requires students to apply in the field of their desired major conc ...

) *Ms. Wendy L. Richards–2005-2007 (Assistant Principal - Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, named Principal of North Tonawanda Middle School) *Mr. Rafael A. Mercado–2007-2010 (Assistant Principal - Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Excellence, named Assistant Principal of Academy School 131 @ 44) *Ms. Denise McMichael-Houston–2008-2009 (Assistant Principal - Buffalo Elementary School of Technology, named Assistant Principal of Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet)

Selected former administrators

*Denotes interim appointment

Notable alumni

* Joel Giambra - Former

Erie County, New York Erie County is a county along the shore of Lake Erie in western New York State. As of the 2020 census, the population was 954,236. The county seat is Buffalo, which makes up about 28% of the county's population. Both the county and Lake Erie w ...

executive *

Altemio Sanchez Altemio C. Sanchez (born January 19, 1958) is a Puerto Rican serial killer who is known to have raped and murdered at least three women, and raped at least 9 to 15 girls and women in and around Buffalo, New York, during a 31-year span from 197 ...

- The Bike Path Rapist *

Steven Means Steven Means (born September 16, 1990) is an American football outside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played coll ...

Defensive end Defensive end (DE) is a defensive position in the sport of gridiron football. This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations over the years have substantially changed how the position is p ...

in the

National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the majo ...

* Robert SanGeorge - former

United Nations The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmoni ...

official, global campaigner for human rights and the environment.

Notable faculty

*Michael Masecchia – former teacher, and a identified associate of the

Buffalo crime family The Buffalo crime family, also known as the Magaddino crime family, Buffalo Mafia, The Arm, the New York State crime family, the Upstate New York Mafia, and the Todaro crime family, is an Italian-American Mafia crime family based in Buffalo, Ne ...

. On August 23, 2019 FBI and HSI agents searched Grover Cleveland High School teacher Michael Masecchia’s home where they found homemade explosives, stolen firearms, and narcotics as part of an ongoing investigation into organized crime and public corruption. A criminal complaint identified Masecchia as a drug dealer who has a 20-year history of growing and distributing large amounts of marijuana. On September 22, 2020 a grand jury indictment identified Masecchia as “member or associate of ‘Italian Organized Crime’” and indicated he had been described by law enforcement as “an associate and possibly a made member of the Buffalo LCN family.” At the center of the indictment is the allegation that Masecchia bribed DEA Agent Joseph Bongiovanni to block investigations into himself and others believed to be tied into the local mafia. Masecchia “was the target of several DEA investigations between 2008 and 2019 and yet was never arrested or charged while Bongiovanni was an agent.” Michael married Bart T. Mazzara’s daughter, Krista. Bart was alleged by prosecutors to be a made member of the Buffalo mob. His wife Krista's uncles are Dan and Victor Sansanese.

References

{{authority control Defunct schools in New York (state) Education in Buffalo, New York Educational institutions established in 1931 Educational institutions disestablished in 2011 High schools in Buffalo, New York 1931 establishments in New York (state) 2011 disestablishments in New York (state)