Radoani was recently appointed as the new Principal of Silver Creek Elementary School. She officially begins her new role Aug. 18.

It did not take long for Silver Creek to find its next Elementary School Principal, but just because the district moved quickly to replace Wendy Harrod does not mean that it rushed the process. In fact, Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston said the vacancy generated the “largest and most diverse pool of candidates” of any administrative opening in the district since Ralston began as Superintendent on July 1, 2023.

With so many qualified candidates — necessitating an extra round of interviews — it took someone special to earn the job. For it to go to a first-time administrator is a bold decision that Ralston believes will pay off for one key reason.

“Everything that she talked about, she could connect back to kids. When she talks about kids, you see her light up,” Ralston said. She called Radoani’s focus on children “a true passion.”

Pictured from left to right: McKenna Miller, Dr. Katie Ralston, Meagan Radoani, and Sara Hamms. Radoani was hired as Elementary Principal at the latest Board meeting, while Miller and Hamms were hired as Special Education Teachers.

Radoani possesses Initial Certification as a School Building Leader and in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6). A former Elementary Teacher, Radoani comes to Silver Creek from Gowanda, where she was a Teacher on Special Assignment serving as a Technology Integration Specialist.

As Elementary Principal, Radoani will receive a salary of $93,000 in 2025-26. Her appointment is a standard, four-year probationary appointment. She will be eligible for tenure in August of 2029.

“I think there is great opportunity in someone that is beginning their career with the passion that Meagan is bringing,” Ralston said.

Ralston, who has a Doctoral Degree in Organizational Learning and Leadership from Vanderbilt University, believes that passion outweighs traditional experience when it comes to hiring the best candidate for a job.

“Administrative experience does not equate to strong leadership. You can be an outstanding leader who has never had any administrative experience. Everybody deserves that first chance, and I’m not afraid to take that first step,” Ralston said. “It’s going to be a really, really good thing for us, and Meagan is a great fit.”

Radoani had company at the recent Board of Education meeting, as two Special Education Teachers were also appointed by the Board. McKenna Miller will be the district’s newest Elementary Special Education Teacher, while Sara Hamms will be a Special Education Teacher at the Middle School level.

Miller, a SUNY Fredonia Class of 2025 graduate, has pending Initial Certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6). As a first-year teacher, Miller will earn a salary of $41,600 for the 2025-2026 school year. Her appointment, commencing Aug. 27, is probationary for the first four years, after which she can earn tenure.

“Some people just have an ‘it factor’ and she has it. I just can’t wait to see her career unfold with us. It’s going to be pretty amazing,” Ralston said.

Miller completed her student teaching assignment at Silver Creek, and also served as a substitute teacher for the district. In doing so, Ralston said Miller already proved that she was a fit for the district.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have her,” Ralston said.

On the same day Miller was interviewed, so was Hamms. Ralston called Board of Education President Matt Bogosian that day to share how fortunate the district was to have “two phenomenal Special Ed. candidates in the same day.”

Hamms holds Professional Certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2), and brings 10 years of prior experience in the field to her new role at Silver Creek. In recognition of her prior experience, Hamms will have a salary for the 2025-2026 school year of $55,300. Her four-year probationary appointment commences Aug. 27.

“I feel really fortunate that, at a time where it’s hard to find certified Special Education Teachers, we ended up with two people who I think are going to be incredible assets to the district,” Ralston said.

In addition to being interviewed on the same day, Miller and Hamms share another unique connection to the district, as they each will be joining a family member on staff. Miller’s mother, Jen, is a Speech Teacher and Hamms’ husband, Jesse, is a Physical Education Teacher.

“It’s a pretty neat connection,” Ralston said. “In both situations, they had the whole family there to celebrate with them.”