Photo via screenshot Prior to a recent meeting of the Gowanda Board of Education, pictured above, the district recognized a wave of tenure appointments.

GOWANDA — The Gowanda Central School District will be keeping many familiar faces with the district for years to come.

Prior to the recent Gowanda Board of Education meeting, the district recognized a wave of tenure appointments. Among those who received tenure this year were Samantha Chiappone, Kindergarten Teacher; Tamara Fabiano, Teaching Assistant; Nicole Gangloff, Elementary Teacher; Megan Kasprzak, Kindergarten Teacher; Robert McDonough, Music Teacher; and Kathleen Saia, Special Education Teacher.

At the meeting later that night, the Board of Education approved a list of personnel items, featuring multiple new hires.

Miranda Hirschman was appointed as a long-term substitute School Social Worker. A Gowanda resident, Hirschman is a state-licensed social worker with pending certification in school social work. Hirschman received a bachelor’s degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and a master’s degree from the University at Buffalo in Social Work. Hirschman has multiple years of work experience with BestSelf Behavioral Health of North Collins.

Mary Ann Tonello was appointed as a long-term substitute Special Education Teacher. A resident of Collins, Tonello graduated Canisius College with a bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education 1-6 and a master’s degree in the Teacher of the Deaf Program. Tonello previously worked at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf in Buffalo.

Additionally, Kaitlyn Taber, Dakota Parks, and Rachel LePre were hired as Teacher Aides; Corinne Gaskins was hired as a substitute teacher; and Justin Grant was hired as a bus driver. A letter of resignation was accepted from Math Teacher Dominic Buttino.

“Welcome to all of our new hires and staff,” said Board of Education Vice President Dollene Christopher.

The district also accepted the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Carol Denny, Attendance Clerk, after more than 20 years of service to the district.

“She’s been wonderful and I want to wish her the best in her retirement. It’s been a pleasure working with her over the years,” said Gowanda Superintendent Dr. Robert Anderson.