Jacquelyn Shields, a Special Education Teacher at Gowanda since 2016, will transition to the role of Biology Teacher next school year.

GOWANDA — Five new teaching appointments were recently approved by the Gowanda Board of Education, including four teachers in the Special Education Department.

Katelyn Mesch, Eve Bierl, Meghan Sheehan, and Kaitlyn Wolf were each appointed to the role of Special Education Teacher at various levels throughout the district. All four appointments begin July 1 with the classification of Teacher in Training through Aug. 26, after which point they will earn the title of Special Education Teacher.

Mesch earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania; Bierl earned a bachelor’s degree in inclusive childhood education from St. Bonaventure University; Sheehan earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Utica University; and Wolf earned a bachelor’s degree in education from King’s College.

One of those four special education vacancies was created by another role being filled. Jacquelyn Shields was appointed to the role of Biology Teacher for grades 7-12. Shields has been employed by the district as a Special Education Teacher since 2016. She recently earned professional certification in Biology grades 7-12, in addition to her previous qualifications in early childhood education, childhood education, and students with disabilities of all ages. Shields earned a master’s degree from D’Youville College in special education.

Recently appointed seasonal laborers include Christian Merrill, Kailyn Farner, Owen Farner, Hailey Fisher, Jada Geiger, Phillip Mason, Katelyn Mesch, Amanda Miller, Tierra Moppert, Ashley Slocum, Rebecca Tonello, and Brayden Williams.

Hailey Christopher was appointed as a substitute teacher, teaching assistant, and school monitor. Madeline Selby was appointed as a substitute teacher and teaching assistant. Monique Smith was hired as a substitute bus driver and cleaner, while Noah Tarbell and Mindy Yoder were also appointed as substitute cleaners. Connor Wight was approved as a volunteer with the Gowanda Trap Team.

Gina Artieri is set to resign as a sixth grade teacher at the end of the school year due to relocating out of state. The district also approved the retirement resignation of teaching assistant Susan Baker.

“I want to thank her for all her service. … She’s really wonderful and I wish her all the best,” Superintendent Dr. Robert Anderson said of Baker’s retirement.

Paid leaves of absence for the purpose of special assignment were also approved for technology integration specialists Candace Phillips, Meagan Radoani, and Melanie Rosier. Radoani, Phillips, and Lea Golden were also approved for additional compensation.

The district also appointed its Summer School staff members for 2025, including Summer School Nurses and Summer Food Service staff members. The district’s department chairpersons for the 2025-2026 school year were also appointed, as well as various Appendix C (advisor) positions.

The Board also approved a one-year extension of the School Resource Officer contract with Cattaraugus County, under the same terms and conditions, through June 30, 2026. An agreement to share athletic programs with the Pine Valley Central School District was also approved, pertaining to football, wrestling, and soccer. Gowanda will serve as the host district for football and wrestling, while Pine Valley will host soccer.

The district accepted donations to benefit the Gowanda boys lacrosse team; the Gowanda girls lacrosse team; the Gowanda track team; and Gowanda music boosters.

The transfer of funds from the Vehicle Purchase Reserve to cover the purchase of four 66-passenger buses and one 30-passenger bus, at a cost of $777,695, was also approved. The purchases were approved by voters at the annual budget vote May 20. Additionally, $1,250,000 of unappropriated funds were transferred to the Repair Reserve Fund, as approved by voters.

The next meeting of the Gowanda Board of Education is Wednesday, July 9.