Two Buena Vista schools will have new principals next year following a series of leadership changes announced by Superintendent Dr. Heather Ault last week. Dr. Devan Nicely will become the principal of Parry McCluer Middle School, and Enderly Heights Elementary will begin looking for a new principal, among other changes.
Transportation Director Bucky Buchanan will retire effective Sept. 30, 2026, after many years of service to the division. In a letter to staff, Ault described Buchanan as a “steady, trusted, and deeply committed leader” whose work has had an “immeasurable impact” on the transportation department.
Buchanan has agreed to remain in a parttime role following his retirement to help support the department during the transition.
To ensure continuity, Sherrie Wheeler, the current PMMS principal, will step into the role of director of operations and transportation. Ault said Wheeler will work closely with bus drivers and operations staff to maintain stability and communication within the department.
Meanwhile, Nicely will move from his current position as principal of Enderly Heights Elementary School to serve as principal of Parry McCluer Middle School. The move comes as the middle school prepares for a potential relocation to Parry McCluer High School as part of the division’s facilities plans.
Ault said Nicely’s experience working with younger students will help support rising sixth- and seventh-graders during the transition.
With Nicely’s move, the division will begin the process of hiring a new principal for Enderly Heights. Ault said staff at the school will be surveyed to gather input on the qualities and leadership characteristics they would like to see in the next principal.
Ault characterized the changes as “bittersweet,” thanking Buchanan, Wheeler and Nicely for their leadership and continued commitment to the division.
