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GOWANDA -- The Gowanda Central School District is seeking another new Assistant Principal for Grades 5-12.
The Board of Education held a lengthy discussion at a recent meeting on how to better support district teachers and administrators. Multiple Board members spoke in favor of adding another Assistant Principal to support the Middle and High School levels, while Zachary Nobles favored a Dean of Students rather than another Assistant Principal.
The district recently appointed Wendy Luce as the new Assistant Principal for Grades 5-12. Luce, the former Dean of Students, replaced David Smith, who retired after serving as an administrator at Gowanda for the past 23 years. Smith was the Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators' Association of New York State.
Through recent discussions with staff, the desire for another Assistant Principal was amplified. Rather than looking to hire a new Dean of Students, the Board has decided to pursue another Assistant Principal to split the duties between the Middle School and High School.
The official job posting is for an Assistant Principal for Grades 5-12, but the district will likely assign one of the two Assistant Principals - the new hire and Luce - to the Middle School and the other to the High School. Luce, a professionally certified School Social Worker, is set to earn a salary of $90,000 for the 2026-27 school year. The posting for another Assistant Principal lists a salary of $75,000 to $90,000 based on experience.
The Board also accepted the resignation of Karen Markham, Senior Account Clerk, effective Sept. 16. Rita Chimino, Cleaner, has resigned for the purpose of retirement. Cheri Burke will resign as Head Custodian, effective Oct. 1. Terri Farley resigned as a School Monitor. Melissa Rosier resigned as Modified Volleyball Coach, with Katelyn Mesch taking over the role of Head Coach. Sara Lillie was terminated as a Seasonal Laborer on July 16.
JoAnn Mentley was appointed to a four-year probationary position as a Teaching Assistant. She resigned from her role as a Teacher Aide. Amanda Hedges was appointed as a Teacher Aide. Right at School program employees Katelynn Taber, Keri Cullen, Danielle Kessler, and Kelly Luce were also approved.
Kimberly Hughes was appointed to the role of Cook Manager in place of her role as Cook. Amanda Miller was appointed to the role of Cook in place of her role as Food Service Helper. Kevin Stapleton was appointed as a Food Service Helper in place of his role as School Monitor. Michelle York was also appointed as a Food Service Helper.
Jennifer Janiga was appointed as a substitute Teacher, Teaching Assistant, School Monitor, and Food Service Helper. Cayla Clark and Jeni Wilson were each appointed as a substitute Teacher, Teaching Assistant, and School Monitor. Julianna Grudzien was appointed as a Substitute Teacher. Jason Tadt was appointed as a Substitute Bus Driver.
The Varsity Club's student extra-classroom activity fund was established, with Candace Phillips serving as Club Advisor. Two donations of $200 were made by the Seneca Nation of Indians to Gowanda's boys and girls lacrosse teams.