Elementary Teachers Catherine Casselberry, Danielle Jakubowicz, Gabrielle Mohan, Julia Pickering, and Amanda Vetter; Special Education Teacher Claire O’Connor; and Teaching Assistants Melissa Matney and Annette Monaco all received tenured status of employment. The six teachers begin their tenured status on Aug. 30, while Matney’s tenure begins Sept. 12 and Monaco’s begins Oct. 7. Elementary Principal Meagan Radoani spoke highly of all eight employees at the recent meeting.

Casselberry has professional certification in Early Childhood Education Birth-Grade 2, Childhood Education Grades 1-6, Literacy Birth-Grade 6, and Mathematics Grades 7-9 Extension. Radoani said that both she and Assistant Principal Josh Case learn a lot from Casselberry.

“She is definitely somebody that we lean on and we talk with, especially when it comes to curriculum. We’re extremely proud of her,” Radoani said. “… She not only is here for our students to learn, but she is also here for all of us to lean on one another as a team and as educators. We couldn’t be more proud to have her on our team.”

Jakubowicz has initial certification in Childhood Education Grades 1-6. Radoani said Jakubowicz creates a welcoming space for students to feel comfortable. “It’s a complete vibe when you walk into her room,” Radoani said. She thanked Jakubowicz for all she does for the district.

Elementary Principal Meagan Radoani spoke highly of eight Elementary School employees to receive tenure at a recent Board of Education meeting.

Mohan has initial certification in Childhood Education Grades 1-6. Radoani said Mohan “creates an amazing classroom where students are comfortable, safe, and they take risks. She’s a fantastic fourth grade addition and an amazing math teacher. We’re extremely fortunate.”

Pickering has initial certification in Childhood Education Grades 1-6. Radoani said, “She just kills it every single day. She is so fun. Her kids have such a life of learning. She welcomes everyone and anyone into her classroom.” She called Pickering “a natural leader” and said she has a bright future in education.

Vetter has professional certification in Early Childhood Education Birth-Grade 2 and Childhood Education Grades 1-6. Radoani said, “She has rigorous expectations with a nurturing approach. The kids know exactly what to expect from Mrs. Vetter, and let me tell you what, they live up to the expectation. I think they blow her away almost as much as she blows me away.”

O’Connor has initial certification in Childhood Education Grades 1-6 and Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6. Radoani said, “She creates learning out of literally anything.” O’Connor utilizes cooking in her self-contained classroom to share food with the school.

“She just absolutely brings a life to learning, and she appreciates every single student for their individuality and what they bring to the table,” Radoani said. “That’s just something that’s truly in her nature. We’re very lucky to have her here at Silver Creek.”

Matney holds Teaching Assistant Level III certification. “Melissa Matney is very special to our school. She just emulates Black Knight Pride every single day,” Radoani said. “Every day, she shows so much love to all of our students. … Not only are we very fortunate to have her as educators, but our community is very fortunate to have her, as well.”

Monaco holds Teaching Assistant Level III certification. “There is a lot in our building that gets done because we have Annette Monaco. She is always the first to help,” Radoani said. “… Wherever there’s kids, you can find Annette. It’s truly a special bond that she’s created with all of our students and especially our staff.”

Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston said to the tenure candidates, “This is a really major milestone in your career. I hope all the people that are here tonight to support you shows how important this milestone is.”

Ralston also thanked the public for its support of the 2026-27 school budget, which passed by a vote of 241-122. The budget comes with a tax increase of 2.97%. A proposal for bus purchases was also approved, and Jenna Schwab defeated Martha Howard for one open Board seat.

Elementary Assistant Principal Josh Case also spoke about the district’s success in offering intramural sports programs to students in grades 5-6. The district partnered with The Champion Project WNY to offer five sports to students – basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball/softball. Case stated that 33 fifth graders and 41 sixth graders participated in the program, which was nearly half of the student population in grades 5-6.

“It was a really cool thing and I’m really excited to keep it going to see what other sports we can offer,” Case said.

Also of note, an agreement regarding data privacy with the RIC ONE Risk Operations Center was approved by the Board. District policy 7613 regarding the Board’s role in implementing a student’s individualized education program was abolished. A budget transfer was also approved.

The Board also appointed Emma Schwarzkopf as a substitute teacher for the remainder of the school year. The resignation of Modified Track and Field Coach Johnny Burlett was also accepted. Randy Brunn, 10-month Cleaner, was also granted permanent status of employment, and a middle school staff member also received tenure, as well.