Forestville fills several teaching vacancies
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FORESTVILLE -- The Forestville Central School District has been busy filling vacancies throughout the summer. Some of the new hires already had ties to the district.
Emily Merrill, a Forestville graduate, has returned home to take on the role of Band Teacher across all levels of the district. Merrill replaces Jay Hagen, who retired at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year.
Another familiar face recently hired by the district is Jennifer Hodkin, a Forestville parent and local resident who brings many years of experience as a Registered Nurse to the role of Forestville Elementary School Nurse.
Merrill and Hodkin are just two of the many new hires at the district. At the Middle/High School, Rebecca Thornton was hired as the new Art Teacher. Thornton holds Initial Certification in Visual Arts. Grace Rakiecki, who holds Professional Certification in Students with Disabilities (All Grades), was hired as the new Special Education Teacher at Forestville Middle/High School.
At the Elementary level, Elizabeth Privitera is Forestville's new Second Grade Teacher. Privatera holds Professional Certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6). Emily Thomas is Forestville Elementary's new Fourth Grade Teacher. Thomas holds Initial Certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6). Jessica Howes is Forestville Elementary's new Response to Intervention (RTI) Teacher. Howes, like Thomas, holds Initial Certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6).
Halie Booth, a teacher at Forestville Elementary School, was granted tenure, effective Oct. 17. The resignation of Elementary Teacher Michelle Devine was approved, effective Aug. 31.
Courtney Strozewski, Jessica Eggleston, and David Coia were appointed as Floater Monitor Aides for the upcoming school year. Adrienne Grubb was approved for an increase in hours to become a full-time Floater Monitor Aide, as well.
Chelsea Raczka was appointed as an Elementary Food Service Helper. Kaylee Anders was approved as a substitute Certified Teacher. Tyler Morgan, Brennan Lincoln and Mary Jane Meadows were approved as Floater Monitor Aide substitutes.
Scott Ferry was approved as Trap Team Coach for the 2026-27 school year. Kaitlyn LoManto was approved as an unpaid volleyball assistant coach. Michele Sprague was approved as an unpaid modified volleyball coach. The district's combined sports programs for the upcoming year were also approved.
Sara Botticello and Brenda Schneider were approved as substitute callers with stipends of $2,500 each for the 2026-27 school year. Meranda Heim had her pay rate as Head Bus Driver for the summer amended to $31.84 per hour. Melinda Van Arsdale was terminated from all substitute and bus driver trainee roles.
The next regular Forestville Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the Alene J. Bradigan Library at Forestville Middle/High School.