I am writing to discuss two recent articles that appeared in the Dunkirk OBSERVER, “Gowanda eyes creation of maintenance post” (Jan. 24) and “Gowanda: Hidden costs begin to appear” (Jan. 26).

The editorial incorrectly cites the first article. A maintenance worker position, not a maintenance supervisor position, is being proposed to be created. There is no need for another supervisor.

Also, the proposed position has nothing to do with any previous nor the current capital project. Our buildings and grounds department is short-staffed. This has been an ongoing issue for years.

Although the problem is year-round, the issue becomes more acute and noticeable in the spring when outside facilities need prompt attention for sports and outdoor activities.

Yet, being short staffed, our fields and facilities are not ready for use and maintenance has to wait until late spring/early summer. This generates many community complaints. We do hire seasonal laborers to do this work which does get done but, as these laborers are typically college students, they are not available until much later in the spring or even toward the end of the school year.

This position would greatly help routine maintenance and upkeep of the facilities year round.

The community has invested their resources into this district (which we are grateful for their continued support) and we are obligated to maintain it appropriately for future generations of students to come.

Bottom line: maintenance worker, not supervisor and has nothing to do with our current capital project.

I do not want the public to think we are adding an unneeded supervisory position, or be left with the faulty impression that somehow this current capital project contains hidden costs.

This perception would negatively impact future projects.

Dr. Robert Anderson is the superintendent of Gowanda Central Schools.