Submitted Photo Chandra Shaver, left, is the new Gowanda Elementary Assistant Principal. She is pictured with her husband and daughter, who joined her at the Board of Education meeting for her appointment.

GOWANDA — Earlier this summer, the Gowanda Central School District appointed two new principals, Darlene Silleman and Chelsea Kroll. Now, the district has added to its team of administrators, as Chandra Shaver takes on the role of Elementary Assistant Principal.

Shaver possesses initial certification as a School Building Leader, as well as professional certifications in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2), Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), Students with Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2), and Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6).

Shaver will join Kroll at Gowanda Elementary for a role spanning from pre-kindergarten through Grade 4. Shaver’s four-year probationary appointment as Gowanda Elementary Assistant Principal began Aug. 20. Shaver brought her family with her to the Board of Education meeting that night to witness her official appointment.

One teacher within the district is now more likely to stick around long-term, as Special Education Teacher Danielle Ward was granted tenure. Ward is professionally certified in Students with Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2), Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6), Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2), and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6). Ward’s tenured status of employment is effective Oct. 20. She was recommended for tenure by outgoing Middle School Principal Todd Miklas.

The Board also appointed several others to various roles within the district, including Rachel Oun as a Special Education Teacher. Oun holds initial certifications in Students with Disabilities (All Grades) and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6). Oun graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Childhood and Special Education from Canisius University.

Also appointed by the Board were Teacher Aides Kimberly Steklasa and Stephanie Reid; Bus Drivers Monique Smith and Tessa Mallory; Food Service Helper Ashley Slocum; School Monitors and Substitute Food Service Helpers Kevin Stapleton and Lorraine Dragovic; Substitute Keyboard Specialist Jacqueline Beckman; Substitute Teachers/Teaching Assistants/School Monitors Amanda Hedges and Lynn Shea; and Substitute Cleaner/Custodians Ronald Barlow and Timothy Mesch.

Thomas Majkut was named as Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach. Jennifer Ebersole was appointed as Junior Varsity Volleyball Coach. Zoe Kota is an assistant with the Modified Volleyball Team. Michelle Jimerson, Teresa Fink, and Mary Grimm were approved as volunteers with the Cross Country Team.

Resignations were accepted from Coaches Brandi John and Lacey John; Bus Driver Jeffrey Enser; Cleaner Keyonce Alexander; and Food Service Helper Kelsey Galley. Amber Pollinger was granted an unpaid leave of absence for the 2025-26 school year.

Jacquelyn Reeves resigned from the role of School District Treasurer for the purpose of retirement, effective Sept. 30. Meagan Radoani resigned as an Elementary Teacher and Teacher on Special Assignment, effective immediately, to accept the position of Principal at Silver Creek Elementary School.

The District-wide Safety Plan was approved by the Board of Education at its recent meeting, as well as an updated Code of Conduct and student handbooks. The tax warrant was also officially approved, along with a series of transportation contracts and budget transfers.

A donation of $12,000 from the Gowanda Kiwanis Club was accepted by the district to benefit Gowanda Middle School, as well.