GOWANDA — The Gowanda Central School District has hired a new School Psychologist for the 2026-27 school year. Connor Ziegler has been appointed to the four-year probationary position, effective July 1.

Ziegler, who is provisionally certified as a School Psychologist, will be replacing Terri Reeves, who is set to retire after the current school year concludes. Ziegler is a resident of Elma, with prior experience as an intern in the Niagara Falls City School District, as well as in the role of School Psychologist in the state of Colorado.

Ziegler received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Edinboro University in Pa., and earned his Master’s Degree in School Psychology from Niagara University. Ziegler will begin on Step 6 of the salary schedule.

Two Teaching Assistants were also recently granted tenure by the district: Stephanie Lauer, Level III, and Tracy Pound, Level I. They were both recommended for tenure by Janine Jalal, Director of Special Education.

Lauer, who has worked at Gowanda for six years in a variety of roles, was defined by Jalal as showing “an ability to work successfully with students in a wide range of age and need profiles.” Lauer was credited with being able to remain calm and support students who are in a dysregulated state.

Pound began as a Teaching Assistant four years ago after beginning her time at Gowanda in food service. She now works in a high school classroom for students with developmental disabilities.

“Ms. Pound started in this room after it had been running for a few years and was able to quickly learn the needs of the students and routines of the class. There are very few instructional positions in the district in which multiple staff members work together in the same room, and she was able to easily become a part of a cohesive team culture,” Jalal stated.

A memorandum of agreement between the district and the Gowanda Teachers’ Association was approved for compensation of chaperones for the 2025-26 Senior Class Trip. Another memorandum of agreement between the district and the Gowanda Teachers’ Association was approved to modify compensation for several athletic coaching positions.

Suzanne Britt was named Boys Varsity Track and Field Coach, with Tracy Pound as a Track and Field Assistant. Jeffrey Wolf and Jennifer Maloney will serve as Varsity Softball volunteer assistants. Scott Bennett will serve as a volunteer Assistant Lacrosse Coach. Ryan Boutelle will serve as a volunteer Baseball Coach. David Bolen and Chase Bolen will serve as volunteer Track and Field coaches.

Sean Gable was named as a JV Baseball Assistant Coach, while resigning from the role of Modified Baseball Coach. Jarrett Parks, Janice Wight and Cameron Wight will be volunteers with the Gowanda Trap Team.

The Board of Education also approved a shared sports program agreement with the Silver Creek Central School District to host a combined Varsity Girls Lacrosse Team at Gowanda for the 2025-26 spring season. A public school tuition agreement between Gowanda and Randolph school districts was also approved.

A series of donations were accepted by the district, including $4,100 from Gernatt Spray Foam to the Gowanda Baseball Team; $233 from the Gowanda Sports Booster Club to benefit the Gowanda Cheerleaders; and gifts of $1,000 from Tamara Ondus and $1,622 from Amber Graham to benefit the Gowanda Travel Club. David and Jacqueline Smith donated $500 to the Gowanda Trap Team.

The district also declared five vehicles surplus, including two Ford pickup trucks and three Thomas Freightliners. Baseball, softball, and gymnasium scoreboards were also declared surplus, along with a list of library books.

The Board approved the 2026-27 academic calendar, with the school year beginning Sept. 1 for students. Staff begins with the superintendent’s conference days Aug. 26-27. Students and staff will have a four-day weekend from Sept. 4-8. High school graduation will be held on June 25, 2027.

The next Gowanda Board of Education meeting is a special meeting set for Tuesday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, following the annual budget hearing at 6 p.m.