Daniel Ljiljanich and his family moved to Williamsville 18 months ago, while he was teaching in the Orchard Park School District.

It turned out to be a good move. Only a few months later, the City of Tonawanda native would be appointed to an assistant principal position at Williamsville South High School.

Ljiljanich learned earlier this week that he’ll be climbing the administrative ladder another rung higher.

Tuesday night, the Williamsville Central School District Board of Education named Ljiljanich principal of South High School, filling a vacancy created when former principal Elvin Simmons resigned in August. Ljiljanich was chosen from a field of 10 finalists.

“In his first year at South, Mr. Ljiljanich demonstrated outstanding leadership in his role as assistant principal and is well-respected by students and staff alike,” Williamsville Superintendent Howard Smith said.

“He is committed to continuing the long tradition of academic excellence and nurturing the spirit of kinship that characterize the South High community.”

Ljiljanich, 35, is happy to be in his new role. “I’m really proud to be part of the tradition of excellence that is such a part of Williamsville South High School,” he said, adding that the school community is incredibly supportive.

“The students could not be friendlier and more conscientious. It’s just a really great school in a really great district,” Ljiljanich said.

Business First of Buffalo has rated Williamsville the top district in Western New York since 2004.

Born and raised in Tonawanda, Ljiljanich obtained degrees from SUNY Fredonia and Buffalo State College, and graduated from Canisius College’s Educational Administration and Supervision Program.

He began his education career teaching social studies for three years at Tonawanda High School, his alma mater. “It was really great starting my career working with teachers who taught me,” Ljiljanich said.

He then taught nine years at Orchard Park High School, where he began to get the itch to move into administration, particularly after being swayed by OP Principal Robert Farwell.

“I love teaching, but I knew that I needed something different and realized I had a new interest,” he said.

In his one year at Williamsville South, Ljiljanich said there’s one thing in particular that has stood out. “They put kids first, which is the No. 1 reason I wanted to be here and stay here a long time. Any challenges that we face, we’ll face together, and I sincerely mean that.”

Ljiljanich’s parents and brother, Dave, a Tonawanda police officer, reside in the city. Dave Ljiljanich was profiled in a Tonawanda News story Nov. 7 after the Exchange Club named him its Officer of the Year.

Daniel Ljiljanich said he owes much of his success to his upbringing in a small community. “Growing up in Tonawanda, it taught me that people come first and people are important,” he said. “That’s one thing I’ve carried with me throughout my professional life and my personal life as well.”

Ljiljanich resides in Williamsville with his wife Rachel and three children.

Contact reporter David J. Hill at 693-1000, ext. 115.