He Brought a Team Concept to Batavia's Middle Schools

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Byline: Gala Pierce Daily Herald Staff Writer

Harold Wolff started with the Batavia school district in 1989 as principal of the junior high. Sixteen years later, he's retiring as the leader of an award-winning middle school.

During that time, Wolff, 55, has kept the needs of students the top priority.

"Schools make decisions all the time, but ultimately we have to ask ourselves, is it good for kids?" said Wolff, who retires as principal of Rotolo Middle School this summer. "That's my philosophy."

Wolff is known for his collaborative leadership style, said Steve Maciejewski, Rotolo assistant principal for student services.

"If you were to go around and ask people, the common thread would be that his decisions were always based on what is good for kids," Maciejewski said.

Wolff has many favorite memories of his time in Batavia. He recalls all the artwork that has covered the school's walls and all the concerts and plays.

"It's all those things put together," he said.

An avid …