GOWANDA — After taking on a new role as elementary school principal at Forestville Central Schools, a Gowanda Board of Education member decided her time and attention was best spent on her new students and her family at home.

Shauna McMahon announced her intent to resign from the Gowanda Board of Education at its recent meeting. “This is hard because I really enjoy working with everyone and I have really enjoyed my time, but I have had to weigh all of the things that I do in my life, so with my new role as Principal in a different district and my role as mom, I had to prioritize a little bit,” McMahon said. “This is my resignation … but I will stay on until the board decides how they want to proceed with filling my role.”

Board of Education President Max Graham responded, “We’ll still see you at everything about the kids. You’re just stepping back and taking care of yourself and your family. That’s awesome.”

McMahon’s term was set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. The board will decide which avenue it will take to fill her seat, which could be done by appointment or by election. The board also could decide to leave the seat vacant, though Superintendent Dr. Robert Anderson highlighted that is not the district’s preference.

“I will miss you and your collaboration. Thank you for all of your service,” Board of Education Vice President Dollene Christopher said to McMahon.

McMahon, however, was far from the only member associated with the Gowanda Central School District to recently resign. The Board of Education also accepted six resignations at its recent meeting. Resigning from the district were Substitute Cleaner/Custodians Michael McMullen and Robert Carline; Substitute Cleaner Mary Lillie; Teaching Assistant Melissa Birtchnall; and Administrative Secretary Tracy West. Lottie Gill resigned from the role of Modified Girls Basketball Coach, and was replaced by Steven Maines.

Anderson singled out West for her work for the district. “She’s a great colleague, a great resource, and was very instrumental in helping us get through Covid,” Anderson said. “I wish her the best.”

The district also welcomed two new teachers, as Math Teacher Chase Klawon and Art Teacher Shelby DeSantis were appointed at the recent Board of Education meeting. Klawon, a Master’s Degree recipient in Mathematics from the University at Buffalo, will be replacing Dominic Buttino as the district’s Mathematics Academic Intervention Teacher for grades 5-8. DeSantis, a Master’s Degree recipient in Creative Change and Leadership from Buffalo State, will be replacing Daniel Galas as the district’s K-12 Art Teacher.