“We just want to congratulate you on your retirement and thank you for many years of commitment to the District,” Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston said to Bifaro. “We’re sad to see you go.”

Bifaro was presented with a Silver Creek sweatshirt and a round of applause. He then addressed the Board. “It was a long ride. It’s a double-edged sword, it’s nice on one hand and on the other hand, I’ll kind of miss some things,” Bifaro said. “… Thank you, everyone, for all your patience. I’ve learned a lot working here. It’s been a hell of a ride.”

Later in the meeting, the Board appointed Christian Charles as a tutor for the remainder of the school year; Karen Smith as a substitute bus driver; and Stacie Zielinski, RN, as a per diem school nurse for a class field trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium on May 28 at $41 per hour.

The Board also passed a resolution to appoint Karen Drummond and a committee of her choosing to represent the District in participation for cooperative bidding through BOCES.

OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen John Bifaro, Maintenance Mechanic, is set to retire from the Silver Creek Central School District after 25 years of service. Bifaro was recognized for his time with the District at a recent Board of Education meeting.

The District also entered into an agreement with Western New York Regional Information Center on a three-year contract for cooperative educational computer services for an amount not to exceed $26,107.56. The agreement dictates 36 monthly payments to be made to Erie 1 BOCES in the amount not to exceed $725.21 per month. The agreement begins on May 8.

The District also came to an agreement for Occupational Therapy services with Associated Physical & Occupational Therapists, PLLC for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, at a cost of $80,000 in 2024-25 and $82,000 in 2025-26. The District also finalized an Energy Management Service contract with U&S Services for the 2024-2025 school year, in the amount of $16,300.

The Board of Education is prepared to take action regarding the 2024-2025 School Budget at the next regular meeting of the Board at 7 p.m. Thursday, in the District’s board room. The District will conduct a public hearing on the budget with a full presentation on May 8, with a regular meeting to follow. The public vote on the proposed budget and all other related propositions will be May 21 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the High School lobby.