Photo via screenshot The Gowanda Board of Education approved a change order for additional tiling of the District Pool.

GOWANDA — Despite the need for approval of additional tiling, the Gowanda Central School District continues to move forward with its Emergency Pool Repair project.

The Board of Education recently approved a change order in the amount of $74,704.54 to address additional tiling replacement needs. With the adjustment, the contract with Numarco, Inc., for the flooring replacement is now in the amount of $366,704.54. The project is still within the already budgeted amount, and the work still remains on pace to allow for an opening of the pool by next school year.

The District is also resurfacing parts of its athletic track, with substantial repairs needed. Potential funding will come from a Repair Reserve recently approved by District voters. Additionally, a new sign at Hillis Field is anticipated to arrive prior to graduation later this month.

The Board approved several appointments within the District at its recent meeting. Heather Fort was appointed as Keyboard Specialist II; Keith Wells was hired as Automotive Mechanic; and Edward Songin was named Substitute Cleaner and Custodian. The District also appointed its Department Chairpersons for the 2024-25 school year, approved additional compensation for its summer school staff members; and granted tenure to secondary Social Studies Teacher Michelle Merrill, as recommended by High School Principal Rebekah Moraites.

Joshua Dry was also appointed by the District as a Social Worker through the Cattaraugus County Department of Community Services, and Teresa Oger was appointed through the Liberty Partnership Program.

The Board also approved the appointment of several Seneca Nation of Indians Johnson O’Malley contracted staff members for the 2024-25 school year, including Teachers Melanie Kessler, Tristin Hageman, and Anne Foit, as well as Teaching Assistants Kiera Thompson and Felicia Gage.

The District also recently updated its Student Handbook for each school of the District. A public hearing was also recently held to inform the Board of proposed changes to the District Wide School Safety Plan. The entire 36-page document is available online.