OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston celebrated two new teacher hires at her first meeting as Silver Creek Superintendent.

SILVER CREEK — New Silver Creek Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston was smiling throughout her first meeting with the Board of Education with positive news to share.

At the meeting, Ralston got to break news about multiple ongoing projects at the district. Ralston said of the district’s capital project to implement a new athletic track,

“The track is on pace. It looks like it will be completed in time.”

Additionally, Ralston shared that the district reached an agreement with the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene to provide an office at Silver Creek Central School for students and families in the district. The agreement is of no cost to the district.

Ralston also celebrated as two teachers were added to her new school family. Allison Smith, a Seneca Language and Culture teacher, and Christopher Smerka, a Social Studies teacher, were approved to probationary teaching positions by the Board of Education.

Smerka, who was in attendance at the meeting, comes to the district with 17 prior years of experience recognized by the district. He will begin his tenure at Silver Creek in the middle school.

“It’s great to be here. I’m looking forward to working with all the students in the district and their parents, really just prioritizing their education,” Smerka said.

The district also accepted the resignation of three elementary school teachers: Amanda Blette, Kristen Kline, and Shannon Matson.

Ralston noted her first week at the district “has been wonderful.” She credited District Clerk Emily Cole for providing assistance through her transition.