OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Forestville Board of Education President Amy Drozdziel recently credited District administrators for the “positive” environment and atmosphere in the school community.

FORESTVILLE — At a recent meeting of the Forestville Board of Education, Board President Amy Drozdziel said, “I just really feel that we have something very special here.”

Drozdziel then thanked District Administrators for their work in keeping the environment “positive.”

Minutes later, a key administrator received an extension to ensure he sticks around for a lot longer.

The contract of Superintendent Dr. John O’Connor was officially extended through Dec. 31, 2028 upon unanimous Board approval at a recent meeting. The pact was originally a two-year contract beginning Jan. 1, 2024, but the deal now keeps O’Connor as the District’s Superintendent for five years. O’Connor noted the only notable difference in the terms of the extended contract from what was already in place was the addition of vacation days.

Elementary Principal Shauna McMahon spoke fondly of the District’s kick-off celebration for the annual PARP program to encourage reading outside of the classroom. “It was incredible,” McMahon said. “… It was a lot of fun. The kids are just so excited about reading.”

The Board of Education also received a presentation from Michele Dolce regarding the Sixth Grade Maple Syrup Project, in which students tapped local trees to create homemade maple syrup. The Board of Education received samples of the syrup created by the students, and a pancake breakfast was scheduled for students and staff to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

“What a phenomenal experience for our students,” McMahon said.

The Board also authorized O’Connor to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the Forestville Teachers’ Association regarding remote working in certain circumstances. Shared athletic programs for cross country and Unified basketball were also approved, with Silver Creek serving as the host district for each team.

The District also established a full-time School Counselor and/or Social Worker position, effective July 1.

Five individuals were approved as District substitutes: Julia Kaicher, Floater Monitor Aide; Andrew Kennedy, Uncertified Teacher/Floater Monitor Aide; Maria Bonvissuto, Uncertified Teacher/Floater Monitor Aide; Isabelle Taber, Uncertified Teacher; and Amy Abbey, Floater Monitor Aide/Food Service Helper/Cleaner.

Ryanne Dugan was approved as a volunteer softball coach. Scot Greenough was appointed as 2024 Director of Summer Enrichment with a stipend of $4,440. Mike O’Leary resigned from his role as Science Teacher, effective June 30.

The District also casted its votes for the following five members and officers of the Erie 2 BOCES Executive Committee: Sylvester Cleary; Wendy Dyment; Kurt Gustafson; Gregory Cole; and Aaron Richner.