OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Seneca Language and Culture Teacher Jordan Cooke Sr., left, is pictured with Silver Creek Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston.

SILVER CREEK — The increased focus on Native American education programming at Silver Creek Central Schools has been a source of pride for Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston. She said as much at a recent meeting of the Board of Education as the district appointed its latest teacher in the field.

Jordan Cooke Sr. was appointed as the district’s new Seneca Language and Culture Teacher. His four-year probationary appointment commences this week.

“I’m extraordinarily grateful for this opportunity,” Cooke said. “On behalf of my family and the community we come from, we are really appreciative of your efforts to make space for our life ways as part of your community. I’m honored to be the person to be able to do that.”

In recognition of Cooke’s 14 years of experience in the field, he will receive a salary of $61,700 for the 2025-2026 school year.

While Cooke will be joining the district’s efforts with Indigenous representation, a leader in the district’s efforts is sticking around on a more permanent basis. Amanda Austin, Native American Education Program Coordinator, was granted permanent status of employment after successfully completing the probationary period of her employment.

The Board of Education also held the first reading of a district policy for a land acknowledgment to be read along with the Pledge of Allegiance each morning. The first reading of several other policies were also held, including the use of internet-enabled devices during the school day.

At the recent meeting, five employees resigned from their current roles, including Seneca Language and Culture Teacher Elton Logan, School Psychologist Nick Gerard, Middle School Social Studies Teacher Christopher Smerka, Teacher Aide Sarah Pfleuger, and Summer Clerical staff member Lindsey Rice.

Additionally, Pamela Postle, Account Clerk II/Transportation Assistant, submitted her resignation for the purpose of retirement after 22 years of service to the district.

In addition to Cooke’s hiring, three others were appointed to probationary positions within the district. Kathy Kelley was appointed as a Registered Nurse; Wes Bolton was appointed as a Teacher Aide; and Melissa Haight was appointed as Clerk II. Additionally, Dawn Seekings received permanent status of employment as a Bus Monitor.

Several extracurricular advisers, volunteer coaches, and substitutes were approved by the Board, including former substitute Principal Sharon Huff. Department chairpersons were also appointed, as well as community instructors and various tutors.

Sameli Avila, a Social Work student at Roberts Wesleyan University, was approved as an unpaid intern in the Social Work Department under the direction of Karielle Case and Shannon Matson. Joshua Sadler was appointed to the special assignment role of Technology Instructional Coach.

The Board also approved a contract with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office for the 2025-26 school year to continue with its School Resource Officer, Wes Johnson. An extension with Personal Touch Food Service, Inc., of Buffalo, was also approved for the 2025-26 school year for meal services.

The District-wide School Safety Plan was also approved for the 2025-26 school year, as was the tax warrant for the upcoming year.