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GOWANDA -- A few new faces will be joining the Gowanda Central School District this fall, as a new Spanish Teacher and School Nurse were among the hires approved at a recent Board of Education meeting.
Lauren Schraft is the new Spanish Teacher at Gowanda High School. Schraft, a resident of Silver Creek, is initially certified in Spanish (Grades 7-12) and English to Speakers of Other Languages. Schraft will serve as a Teacher in Training this summer before beginning her role as a Spanish Teacher on Aug. 26. Her appointment carries a standard four-year probationary period.
Schraft possesses a bachelor's degree from Wells College in Aurora, NY, and a master's degree from Canisius University in Buffalo. She has served as a support teacher at the Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School, and as a Spanish Teacher at Global Concepts Charter School in Buffalo since April of 2023.
The Board also approved the hiring of Michelle Gilson as a School Nurse. Gilson begins a one-year probationary period of employment on Aug. 26, with up to 20 hours of training which began July 9. Her role is a full-time, non-competitively bargained position.
Additionally, Cameron Williamson was appointed to the role of Cleaner. Todd Winship was appointed as a substitute Teacher, Teaching Assistant, and School Monitor. Kimberly Merrill was approved as a High School Student Teacher.
Bailey Bond and Melissa Stearns were appointed as Summer School Nurses. Jennifer Ebersole was appointed as a substitute Summer School Teacher.
Six coaching positions were also filled for the upcoming school year, including Jake Jozwiak as the new Varsity Girls Wrestling Coach. Therese Reeves was appointed as a School Psychologist on a per diem basis, effective Aug. 26.
Shared athletic program agreements were approved with the Pine Valley Central School District pertaining to football, soccer, and wrestling programs shared between the districts. Bids for athletic materials and supplies were awarded to Sportsman's for $1,168.75 and to BSN for $6,046.19.
A series of transportation contracts were also awarded to WNY Bus Co., varying in cost from $778 per day to $896 per day depending on the destination.
The next regular Gowanda Board of Education meeting will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Library.