Submitted Photo Kathy Degenfelder, School Media Specialist (left), and Ashley Wakelee, Director of Learning and Continual Improvement (right), were among five Gowanda employees to earn tenure at a recent Board of Education meeting.

By BRADEN CARMEN

bcarmen@observertoday.com

GOWANDA — Five employees earned tenure appointments at a recent Gowanda Board of Education meeting. Among them was Ashley Wakelee, the district’s Director of Learning and Continual Improvement.

Wakelee is professionally certified as a School District Leader and a School Business Leader. She is also certified in English Language Arts for Grades 7-12, Early Childhood Education from Birth to Grade 2, Childhood Education for Grades 1-6, and Literacy from Birth to Grade 6. Her tenure appointment commences Aug. 31.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Anderson said, “It’s been a real pleasure working with her. She’s definitely an asset to the district.”

Kathy Degenfelder earned a tenured position as a School Media Specialist, effective Aug. 31. Degenfelder possesses initial certification as a Library Media Specialist.

Middle School Principal Todd Miklas recommended Degenfelder for tenure. In his letter of recommendation, Miklas said, “Over the years, Kathy has transformed our library into a vibrant hub of learning, exploration, and creativity, making her an invaluable asset to both our students and staff.”

Three teachers received tenure, as well, including Elizabeth Novoa, Christina Shull, and Melissa Sikora.

Miklas also recommended Novoa, a Middle School Science Teacher, for tenure. Miklas said, “Elizabeth is a thoughtful, dedicated teacher who consistently puts her students first. She brings creativity to her lessons, supports learning in and out of the classroom, and takes the time to build real connections with her students. I fully support her tenure at Gowanda Central School District.”

Shull, a Special Education Teacher, was recommended for tenure by Elementary Principal Carrie Dzierba. In her letter, Dzierba stated, “Mrs. Shull demonstrates strong knowledge of curriculum and specialized instruction, meeting the diverse needs of the students she serves.”

Dzierba later added, “She is dedicated, hard-working and student-centered. Her professionalism and work ethic are evident in all aspects of her work.”

Sikora, a Special Education Teacher, was also recommended for tenure by Dzierba. In her letter, Dzierba characterized Sikora as “an experienced, talented and passionate educator.”

Dzierba also stated, “Mrs. Sikora excels at making connections with a population of students with developmental disabilities at the primary level. She is consistent at implementing strong classroom management and individual behavior plans. Under moments of student crisis, Mrs. Sikora maintains a calm and patient demeanor.”

The district also appointed Amy Spears as a Substitute Teacher, Teaching Assistant, and School Monitor. Colton Clareus was appointed as a Substitute Bus Driver and Bus Driver Trainee. Brayden Williams, Mary Lillie, and Brody Mescal were appointed as Seasonal Laborers.

The district accepted resignations from First Grade Teacher Emily Driscoll; Special Education Teacher Tara Morris; Cleaner Ashley St. George; and Substitutes Hailey Fisher, Briar Beckman, and Noah Tarbell.

Teacher Mentors for the 2025-2026 school year include Miranda Hirschman, Caroline Ventresca, Kathleen Saia, Heather Rydzik, Ashley Wright, Jacob Swanson, Erica Lutz, Zac Izard, Jacquelyn Shields, and Bethany Hobbs. The majority of the district’s athletic coaching positions for the 2025-2026 school year were also filled.

Dr. Anderson also offered congratulations to the Class of 2025 for all its accomplishments, as well as the Gowanda baseball team for earning a trip to the state semifinals.

Finally, to conclude the meeting, Barbara Weston said goodbye to the Gowanda Board of Education, as her term expired July 1. Weston did not run for re-election in May after seven years on the Board.

“I’d like to thank all of you for my time here,” Weston said. She joked that her time on the Board was much shorter than that of some, referring to current member Mark Nephew. “I really did enjoy my time here,” Weston added. “… I’m excited to see where you guys take it from here.”

Members of the Board later thanked Weston for her service. Board of Education President Max Graham said, “Being a volunteer often goes unnoticed. The fact that you’ve stepped up for as long as you have is truly phenomenal. It speaks volumes about you. We wish you nothing but the best.”