District officials honored lengthy lists of scholar-athletes and employees at the meeting. The session was moved to the Dunkirk High School auditorium to accommodate all of the honorees and their supporters. The Dunkirk school board meetings are always well-attended but the crowd was large even by their standards, with around 150 people in the audience.

Athletic Director Kyle Jarrell handed out honors for the scholar-athletes. He said they displayed “outstanding commitment to balancing the demands of athletics and academics.” The students “embody what it means to be a Marauder.”

Nevertheless, he sat down with some mild frustration because he was still holding a big bin of certificates. The majority of the scholar-athletes skipped the board meeting, understandably finding better things to do on a sultry June evening.

Rebecca Leone, the district’s director of academic programs, offered a presentation called “Charting the Course: Instructional Leadership and Excellence.” Seven teachers got certificates honoring their development of a training course for recently hired educators. More teachers were recognized for developing training courses in areas such as early childhood education and K-6 reading.

The June Dunkirk Board of Education meeting was moved to the Dunkirk High School auditorium in anticipation of a sizable crowd.

The school district went on to honor 23 retiring employees. Officials announced tenure for Sarah Artieda, an English as a New Language teacher.

As Superintendent Brian Swatland announced her tenure, he commented that the meeting was “all about a celebration as we end the school year.” However, one city resident had other ideas.

Liz Abramowicz, a School 6 substitute teacher, said she was “worried about certain things” in the district. “I don’t like the fights,” she said, alleging that there are many between students behind school walls.

Abramowicz complained about school lunches, stating that they seem smaller recently. She also alleged that Board of Education members and district administrators rarely visit the schools. “I don’t believe the school board nor administrators can justify what’s going on unless they are at the schools,” she said.

Abramowicz closed with what were basically calls for peace and openness. “Unity. This is what we have to bring back to Dunkirk,” she said.

Seven Dunkirk City School District teachers are honored for creating a training course for recently hired educators. Rebecca Leone, the district’s director of academic programs, stands at left.

Everyone remaining in the auditorium, including school board members, applauded Abramowicz as she sat down. A sizable portion of the audience had left, after the session of honors concluded.