Westfield Academy and Central School Superintendent Ryan Sikorski presents a New York State School Boards Association Lifetime Achievement Award to board president Wendy Dyment.

A member of the Westfield Academy and Central School Board of Education received the highest recognition given by the New York State School Boards Association at the board meeting on May 26.

In a surprise presentation, WACS Superintendent Ryan Sikorski presented the coveted Board Lifetime Achievement Award to Board President Wendy Dyment. The award honors school board members who demonstrate “exceptional commitment to expanding their governance knowledge, skills and leadership over many years.” (NYSSBA)

The Board Lifetime Achievement Award is granted annually to board members who accumulate points through NYSSBA training, workshops and events. According to the NYSSBA site, “The award celebrates endurance, dedication and continuous learning in school board service. It acknowledges the time, effort and ongoing professional growth required to serve effectively in a complex governance role.”

In another matter, Dyment told board members that she had been working on updating the board self-evaluation. Some parts of the evaluation cannot be changed but those parts do not relate specifically to the district, she said. All members will have to complete the self-evaluation before the second meeting in June, when the board will go over the results, she added.

In matters of personnel, the board approved the permanent appointment of Ashley Hargis as Account Clerk, effective May 28. They also approved the appointment of coaches and advisers for the 2026-27 school year.

During the period of board commentary, Deanne Manzella expressed appreciation to the Westfield community for their support on the budget vote. “It was wonderful to see so many people come out to support our students,” she said.

Board Vice-President Phyllis Hagan reported that she attended the Elementary school concert last week. “They had fifth-graders playing solos in the band,” she said. “I want to say that our teachers bring out the best in our students.”