Photo courtesy of the Forestville Central School District Deputy Brian Hanner high-fives a student at a school assembly held at the Forestville Middle/High School auditorium in 2024.

FORESTVILLE — One of the key openings of the Forestville Central School District was filled at the most recent Board of Education meeting.

Luke DiFato was hired as the newest science teacher at Forestville Middle/High School. DiFato holds an initial certification in Chemistry and Physics for Grades 7-12. His four-year probationary appointment begins on Aug. 27. For the 2025-2026 school year, his salary will be $45,193.

The Board of Education also granted tenure to Stephen Travis, a Special Education Teacher. Travis possesses professional certification in Students with Disabilities.

The lone vote cast in opposition of any of the resolutions to come before the Board at the recent meeting was cast by Derek Case, who voted against an agreement with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office for its School Resource Officer program. The resolution was pulled from the consent agenda to be voted on separately from the rest of the items on the agenda.

Despite Case voting against the resolution and fellow Board member Jamie Hebner absent from the meeting, the resolution still passed to approve an agreement from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 at a cost of $117,899.93. The contract was a slight increase from last year’s agreement, which had a total cost of $114,584.81.

In other personnel moves at the district, Elizabeth Locke resigned as a School Library Media Specialist, effective Aug. 31. Amanda Seneca was appointed to the permanent position of Account Clerk. Adam Seeley was appointed to the permanent position of 12-month Cleaner. The district is still seeking a School Library Media Specialist and a Music Teacher to conclude its hiring for the upcoming school year.

The Board also approved several summer employees, including Anita Stewart, Cindy Spears, Eric Flitt, Melinda VanArsdale, Laura Lisa, Jaunice Thompson, and Chase Dakin. Summer bus drivers include Stewart, Thompson, Stephen Waugh, Joanne Moss, Meranda Heim, William Moss, Jane Scott, Jennifer Tampio-France, Mary Gunther, Kenneth Lucas, and Randy Richter.

Brenda Kerstetter was appointed as Unified Bocce Coordinator for the upcoming year. Alexis Schuman was approved as Hone Economics Coordinator. Melody Voigt was approved as the district’s Public Relations Assistant. Allison VanVlack was approved as a substitute teacher and floater monitor aide.

The next meeting of the Forestville Board of Education is Thursday, Aug. 14 at 5:30 p.m.