OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Forestville Superintendent Dr. John O’Connor spoke to staffing updates at a recent Board of Education meeting.

FORESTVILLE — The Forestville Central School District filled two open teaching positions at a recent Board of Education meeting.

Makayla Coalts was hired to a probationary position in the Music tenure area, while Stephanie Accardo-Sanchez was hired to a probationary position in the Special Education tenure area. Both appointments commenced Aug. 28.

Coalts holds initial certification in Music (K-12) and shall receive a salary for the 2024-25 school year of $41,264 based on Step A of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Accardo-Sanchez holds initial certification in Student with Disabilities (All Grades) and shall receive a salary for the 2024-2025 school year of $45,658 based on Step B of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Additionally, Stacey Korzenieski was appointed as District Treasurer, beginning Aug. 21 through the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Also approved by the Board were substitute callers Melody Voigt (Middle/High School) and Tina Bowker (Elementary School) at a rate of $2,500 for the 2024-2025 school year.

The District is still in the process of hiring a new librarian, as Susan Walterich left the District earlier this summer to become a Library Media Specialist at the Fredonia Central School District.

Ten Teacher Mentors were also approved for the 2024-2025 school year: Lisa Brewster, Makayla Coalts, Michelle Devine, Jay Hagen, Brianne Hazelton, Roberta Miller, Stephanie Sanchez, Alexis Schuman, Shannon Soffel, and Michele Sprague. Ryanne Dugan was also approved as a junior varsity/varsity volleyball volunteer coach.

Five District employees had tuition exceptions granted for their children to attend the District: Dan Grande, Ralph Jackson, Allison Kwilos, Anna Patton, and Lindsey Ruffo.

Superintendent Dr. John O’Connor was authorized to sign agreements on behalf of the District with four entities, including Chautauqua Transportation Services, Inc.; Western New York Educational Service Council for $800; CCSBA membership dues for $1,050; and insurance coverage through Gallagher for $75,030.

The Board also officially approved purchases of two buses totaling $295,798.50, along with purchases of $10,056.53 from Valley Tire and $10,564.41 from Hillyard. The Board also officially approved the 2024-2025 tax levy for the approximate amount of $4,029,884.

The District also held a public hearing regarding the District-wide Emergency Response Plan, with no comments made by members of the audience before its approval. The 58-page document is posted in its entirety on the District website. The Student Handbook for each building and the Code of Conduct were also approved, as well as the 2024-2025 Professional Learning Plan, the Chemical Hygiene Plan, and the Athletic Handbook.

The next meeting of the Forestville Board of Education is Thursday, Sept. 12.