Silver Creek grants tenure to pair of teachers

SILVER CREEK -- A recent meeting of the Board of Education was a monumental night for a pair of Silver Creek teachers.

Jessica Kardashian and Mary Lawrence were each recently awarded tenure for their time spent with the district. Family and friends of the two teachers packed the board room across from the district auditorium earlier this month.

Kardashian was moved to tears as she spoke about how meaningful receiving her tenured position was to her.

"I've waited a long time for this, but I'm very, very grateful to be a part of a district that has supported all my initiatives and my drive for wanting to give our students opportunities," Kardashian said. "I really, truly love working here. I'm really grateful for today."

Lawrence followed Kardashian by also expressing her gratitude to the Board of Education and the district.

"I'm really excited. I've also waited a long time, so it's a big thing, it's going to really sink in," Lawrence said. "This is the first time I've been in a tenured position, and it's my 20th year teaching. I love teaching middle school, and I decided when I came here that I was going to work here the rest of my life."

Jill Valvo, Senior Account Clerk, was also granted permanent status after completing a probationary period of appointment, effective Oct. 2.

The district also approved the probationary appointment of Courtney Cowell as a teacher aide. Matthew Miller was approved as a non-certified substitute teacher.

The Board of Education also acknowledged Ashley Cullinan as a Bus Driver in Training to become a substitute bus driver. Kayleigh Salisbury resigned from the role of cleaner.

Jaden Sciotti, an Athletic Coaching & Sport Management student at SUNY Fredonia, was approved as an unpaid intern in the Athletic Department under the direction of Athletic Director Sean Helmer through Dec. 15. SUNY Fredonia students Madison Sheehan and Nina Doyle were approved as student teachers.

Additionally, Katie Burke and Shannon Near were appointed as co-coordinators of Elementary AIS; and Elizabeth Guzzetta was appointed to serve as Committee for Special Education and Committee for Preschool Special Education Chairperson and 504 Chairperson.

Nate Shuart, recently hired as a social studies teacher, was appointed as Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Coach. Shuart held the same position at Fredonia last year while he student taught at his alma mater. Silver Creek also appointed Jesse Hamms as Modified Girls Basketball Head Coach and Scott Hazelton as Scorekeeper/Timekeeper.