OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen From left to right: Kyle Zak, Social Studies Teacher; Dr. Katie Ralston, Superintendent; and Taylor Potter, Special Education Teacher.

SILVER CREEK — Two new teachers were welcomed by the Silver Creek Central School District at a recent Board of Education meeting. Taylor Potter was appointed as a Special Education Teacher, while Kyle Zak was appointed as a Secondary Social Studies Teacher.

Potter began her career as a student teacher at Silver Creek and also substituted with the district. She now takes over as a Special Education Teacher, effective Oct. 2, on a four-year probationary appointment. Potter holds initial certification in Childhood Education Grades 1-6, and will begin with a salary of $42,600, prorated for a partial year of service.

“Taylor, we’re thrilled to have you,” Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston said to Potter. Ralston characterized her appointment as “the right opportunity at the right time.”

Zak, a graduate of Buffalo State University, student taught at Springville Griffith Middle School and at Lake Shore High School. He has served as a substitute teacher at Eden, Frontier, Hamburg, and Orchard Park school districts. Zak holds initial certification in Social Studies Grades 7-12, and will begin with a salary of $41,600, prorated for a partial year of service. His four-year probationary appointment began Oct. 14.

Ralston said to Zak, “It was an honor to interview you, and I certainly see you as a fit and an asset to the Silver Creek family.”

The Board also recognized Elementary STEAM Teacher Kim Rich for her efforts through the first month of school. Ralston said there was “no question” which teacher deserved to be recognized at the recent meeting. Rich has led students in establishing a school garden that students will maintain for the benefit of the community.

“She saw a space that needed attention, and she didn’t complain about it, and she didn’t say I wish someone was doing something about that. She said, ‘How can I turn that into relevant learning for all of our students?’ She took the lead with that,” Ralston said.

The Board also approved a non-bargaining contract with Emily Cole, Administrative Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and District Clerk. A memorandum of agreement between the district and Cole was also approved relating to Cole’s duties as Public Relations Manager.

Additionally, former interim principal Sharon Huff was appointed as a long-term substitute Special Education Teacher, retroactive to Sept. 2, through March 13, 2026. A series of per diem substitutes, extracurricular advisors, teacher mentors, and coaches were also approved.

Russell Civiletto was appointed as a probationary Bus/Lunch Monitor; Timothy Ippolito was acknowledged as a Bus Driver in Training; and Nicolle Evenden was provisionally appointed as 12-Month Clerk II/Bus Driver II. Permanent appointment status was granted to Building Maintenance Mechanic Owen O’Neil and Bus Driver Anna Chase.

Resignations include Bus Driver Ashley Cullinan; Chorus Teacher Daniel Novak; and High School Math Teacher Jon Pulver.