GOWANDA — Two new teachers were recently hired by the Gowanda Central School District. Katelyn Mesch was appointed as the district’s newest Elementary Teacher, and Bryan Lucas Brawdy was hired as a Mathematics Teacher.

Mesch has initial certifications in Students with Disabilities All Grades, Childhood Education Grades 1-6, and Students with Disabilities in English Grades 7-12. Her appointment takes effect July 1 and her probationary period ends Aug. 26, 2029. She will begin as a fifth grade teacher next school year.

Brawdy, a Gowanda resident, holds initial certification in Mathematics Grades 5-9. He is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia. Brawdy was a summer school teacher at Gowanda last summer and has taught at the Cattaraugus-Little Valley School District since March of 2025. He takes over in Gowanda as a teacher in training on July 1, then as a full-time teacher this fall on a four-year probationary appointment, replacing Beth Roblee, who is set to retire.

The district also hired Jessica Bean as Keyboard Specialist II, effective July 1. Bean will resign from the role of School Monitor to take over for Janene Draegert, who is retiring after the current school year ends.

Kaylee Marx was appointed as a School Monitor in the Food Service Department, effective May 7. She will also serve as a Substitute Food Service Helper. Six Substitute Teacher/Teaching Assistant/School Monitors were also recently hired: Jennifer Gernatt, Brianna Husman, Jennifer White, Stephanie DiGennaro, Sydnie Williams, and Kimberly Merrill.

Additionally, Gregory Hazleton was appointed as a Substitute Cleaner/Custodian; Kaitlyn Wolf was appointed as Modified Softball Head Coach; and Robert McDonough was appointed as 5-6 Marching Band Director. Alexander Browser will serve as an Elementary School volunteer.

Charla Zaccardo was approved for additional compensation as Central Registrar. Melissa Davis was approved for additional compensation as School Psychologist over the summer from July 1 through Aug. 25, not to exceed 20 days. Elementary, middle school, high school, special education, and food service summer school employees were also appointed.

Brayden Williams, Owen Farner, and Brody Mescall were appointed as seasonal laborers through Aug. 25. Other seasonal laborers include Kevin Stapleton, Mary Lillie, Charley North III, Kailyn Farner, Tierra Moppert, Rebecca Tonello, Reginald Irion, Amelia Pickering, Sara Lillie, Kaylin Lee, and Hailey Tomczak.

The athletic coaches for the 2026-27 school year were also approved by the Board. Bryan Lucas Brawdy will be the Boys Varsity Basketball Coach next year, while several other notable Varsity coaches return, including Football Coach Brett Ebling, Baseball Coach Tim Smith, and Softball Coach Michael Maloney, among others. The district’s department chairpersons for the 2026-27 school year were also approved by the Board of Education.