OBSERVER Photo by Jimmy McCarthy The Dunkirk Board of Education filled three administrative positions during Thursday’s meeting at the high school. Business manager, director of special education and high school principal were among the positions filled.

Open and soon-to-be vacant administrative positions at Dunkirk schools have replacements following various appointments by the Dunkirk Board of Education during Thursday’s meeting at the high school.

With William Thiel leaving his business manager post to take a similar position at Frontier schools a few months ago, the Dunkirk school board approved Cynthia Mackowiak as new business manager. Mackowiak spent several years serving as school business administrator with Silver Creek Central School. Before that, she served in a similar position with the Forestville Central School District. Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Tracy said following the meeting that the district advertised the position and received nine candidates. Tracy said they went through a first round of interviews and narrowed it down to four.

“We narrowed it down to two in the final round. She came out our best candidate and we’re excited to have her,” Tracy said. “She’s someone with a lot of experience and lives in Dunkirk as well.”

Mackowiak began serving in the position Monday. Her salary is $90,000. Mackowiak was also appointed as the district’s treasurer at $7,000 a year.

An open special education director position and the high school principal position that would have become vacant in January were filled within house. Michele Heenan, School 7 administrator, was approved to take over as special education director effective Friday. Alan Gens, assistant principal, will become the next high school principal effective Nov. 13.

Heenan replaces Marybeth Muldowney, who retired as special education director Sept. 5. Gens will take over for current High School Principal Stephen O’Brien. Tracy said O’Brien will be assisting Gens and Heenan in the transition to their new respective positions.

Tracy said his in-house administrators, who’ve have been with him for two years, know the district’s vision and mission. Tracy said he advertised the positions outside but elected to stay with personnel inside the district.

“They have shown themselves to be helping us push Dunkirk in the right direction,” Tracy said. “I don’t think anybody outside could be any better than our inside people.”

The board also approved Constance Meginnis, of Erie, Pa., as School Seven Administrator, effective Oct. 23.