001Thank you everyone for coming out. Uh it's a great night. Uh it's good to see so many people come to a board meeting, which doesn't happen all that much, but tonight's a special night and we get to recognize a lot of people. Um, so first of all, I'd like to call the meeting to order. Um, call for a motion to enter into public session. >> So move. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. Opposed. Abstained. Motion carries. Please rise uh for the pledge to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> He would like to take a moment of
002silence for Marshall Ticket, who was a member of her transportation department who tragically passed away earlier this week. Thank you. I'll turn it over now to our superintendent for our retirey recognitions. >> Thank you. Okay, before we begin the program, I do want to take a minute to recognize service department, our facilities department for all they do while they're volunte. events that we have so we could join them. I also want to offer my congratulations to two of our high school leaders, Jackie Kilmer and Cheryl Jasper, who are not here tonight but would be because they're attending the Frontier League banquet. Jackie is receiving the cornerstone award and the athletic department is honoring Cheryl Jasper alongside Jackie. Congratulations to Jackie and Cheryl. So this evening we have the opportunity to honor both retirees and outgoing
003board members and we'll also have a minute to uh honor those who are receiving tenure. our tenure recipients. Very important. We're gonna honor you before we actually get into the personnel items. Please stay because your tenure appointments are not real until the board acts on them. So don't leave when the retirees get the individual retired from our district have provided many many years of dedicated care and service to our students, families and district. In total this year we have 48 retirements totaling 1,327 years of service. Let me give you that number one more time. 1,327 years of service. Tonight, we honor these outstanding individuals and thank them for all they have provided for our students, our families here. It is now my pleasure to call on our high school principal be Good evening. The high
004school is honored to have had approximately 450 years of experiences with the retirees we celebrate tonight. Each having inspired, encouraged, supported and guided generations of students. The legacy they leave behind is not measured only in years, but of the countless lives they've influenced and the difference they have made every single day. Their impact will continue to be felt from the students they taught, the colleagues they supported, and the community that they helped to build. Thank you for your service and your lasting contribution. I have the privilege of speaking on behalf of a few of our many retirees tonight and will then pass along my privilege to one of their colleagues for the rest. gardener. Please come on up. He retires from high school fancy teacher. Pretty incredible. Lorie Garner's remarkable career at Niagara Wheatfield began
005in September 1995 as a self-contained teacher at the high school. And with the exception of one year, her entire career has been dedicated to this building in this community. After six years of teaching and completing grad certification and degree, Lori served three full years as principal before returning to the classroom to start a family of her own. Over the years, she has taught in self-contained classrooms, witnessed the transition from consultant to integrated co-eing, and contributed to the high school math program, supporting students with and without IE behavioral and academic tomorrow. Last year, she also served as a TOSA in special education department and taught self-contained reading instruction at Columbia Village. Lorie has consistently gone above and beyond for her students and colleagues alike. All including with compassion, dedication, and a genuine commitment to helping others
006succeed. Her hope that every student felt seen, supported, cared for, and better prepared for life after high school. The legacy that she truly lived out. Thank you, Gloria, for your years of service and leadership. Congratulations on your attending. Next, we celebrate Linda Stein and thank her for her many years of dedicated service to our district. has served in a variety of roles across multiple students including as a leader in CD and test a teacher aid working with children in evalu support in classrooms and prek programs which she said were Linda has always found meaning in working with students especially with little ones and in watching them she is currently a monitor with the high school where she has enjoyed building relationships with older students, making connections and supporting them in this important stage of their
007journey. Her energy, joy, and care have made a lasting difference in every single building you serve and in every capacity. Linda, thank you for your dedication, your kindness, and the positive impact you have on so so many lives. You will truly be missed, and we wish you all the best for your 20 I would like to now call upon Tracy. We're going to be having it is my privilege to speak tonight about my friend, colleague, union steward, and one of the most remarkable educators I have had the pleasure of knowing in front of all of you and in front of some of Tracy Bloom's beautiful family. I met T about 20 years ago and we became fast friends. Back then she had sparkly catey glasses and quite the mystique about her and can sometimes lean
008a little monochromatic but te absolutely never has. She arrived from Eric road with a reputation for being a great teacher and as it turns out great was a massive understatement. At first, I'll admit I assume the cool outfits and overall energy meant she spent her evenings painting wildly from the depths of her soul while maybe bending a few minor societal rules along the way. But I quickly realized that no, she is incredibly serious about her craft, her students, and every talent she shares with the world. Over the years, I've tried to encourage her to loosen up and push the limits a little bit more. And honestly, she's made tremendous progress. These days, she'll risk it all by standing in the wrong spot at bus duty. Okay, that dedication is what has defined her entire career.
009Since joining the district in 2001, Tracy spent 25 years creating opportunities for students and leaving her mark on every building she served. She started the first old building elementary art show at Art Road. She developed collaborations that connected art with core curriculum. She brought outdoor sculpture experiences to students. She helped build digital offerings at the high school. She launched a film festival. She hosted bronze pores. She partnered across disciplines. Expanded the ceramics program, recently led the incredible stained glass mural collaboration that brought together students from multiple backgrounds. And then finished the year off with a clay throwdown. I tried to tell Tina to maybe take it easy her last couple of years and that there was no need to make life unnecessarily difficult. She understood that directive as one commissioning a massive stained glass collaborative
010project that took three years to complete. Taking on being the K to2 visual and performing arts professional learning communities facilitator and even playing imagineer at times during the major art overhaul. Honestly, that tells you everything you need to know about Tracy. Even when the finish line wasn't s, she was still dreaming bigger, creating more, and finding new ways to inspire students and smarter systems. Thank you, T, for being an inspiring, wildly creative educator. Thank you for your fierce leadership in advocacy. Most importantly, thank you for thousands of students whose lives are richer, more colorful, and more meaningful because they had the privilege of learning from you. If you asked Tracy what legacy she hoped to leave behind, it wouldn't be a list of accomplishments. It would be something much simpler. Care about the quality you
011put out into the world. Make people feel seen. Spread joy. Looking back on 25 years of service, I think it's fair to say you accomplished all three. Thank you for showing us what it looks like to care deeply, laugh loudly, love fiercely, and never lose your spark. Your creativity, your dedication, and yes, your unmistakable laugh have left a mark on this mission that will remain long after your retirement. We are grateful for your friendship, your leadership, and your service. always protect your peace. Know that we all know there is nothing you can't do. But most of all, thank you, my friend, for joyfilled cabinets, lovefilled conversation, and some of the fondest memories I have created over the last 20 years. The best is yet to come for all of us, I am convinced. Congratulations and
012happy retirement, Tracy Bloom. Now, please have and please come up. They take very serious. >> Hi, good evening everyone. Good evening everyone. With the exception of a brief stint at Buffalo State, I hope she can complete her bachelor's and master's degree. Lisa Gene has spent her entire educational, professional, and a good part of her social life in field, including time spent at Colonial Village Elementary School, moving on to what was formerly known as Edwardtown Junior High, and then graduating from Niagara Wefield Senior High. Lisa has spent about 45 of her soon to be 56 years here in this wonderful district. Lisa enjoyed having that top teacher reputation and for many of her incoming freshmen who went through Spanish too with Lisa, they were nervous. The transition from being big eighth graders on campus at Evertown
013to now starting out again as ninth graders was scary enough, but then they were scheduled to be a student of SEO Opal in room A208 on the second floor of the high school. How would they survive? What her students quickly came to recognize, understand, and appreciate is that Saval is a softy at heart. Lisa has dedicated herself to improving the lives of her students and pushing each of them to be the best version of themselves. Her students were treated with the same fierce, protective love that she has for her own daughters, Madison and Cassie. Her students always felt safe and very much seen with her. The old school Lisa taught organization and study skills. They could conjugate the hell out of those hundreds of verbs form grammatically correct Spanish as well as English sentences and
014they knew the required vocabulary inside and out. Lisa made sure that her students loved Spanish and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of language learning. Our program has thrived because of her. Her students were well prepared and Lisa took great pride in ensuring that your daughters, your brothers and sisters, your nieces and nephews, your mom and dad, look forward to the days of you being able to hang out with them and not to have to rush home to correct papers or to lesson plans. It's time for you to enjoy the summer and it's time for you to finally begin to use sunscreen. Yes, it's time to take that drive to Broner's Christmas Wonderland in Franken Moon, Michigan. We're doing that. It's time to catch up on much needed sleep. As the weeks pass, it will
015be time for you to bask in the honor of being the mother of the brides at Madison with Ethan's wedding in September. It's your time. One last thing. At one time, we were known as the low ladies, languages other than English or the ladies of Lang. But with the addition of Era to this talented group of educators, we Julia, I'm including us retired folk, we are now known as the Lote ladies in lab. So in conclusion, we load and lab will always be your extended family and want you to know that we love you. We wish you the best for what's to come. Your job here feels done. Thank you. Please have Lisa Jones and Grand Today we are here to celebrate the legendary career of Rambo. Over the years she has assumed many hero
016soccer coach, English teacher, assistant principal, class advisor, butter bar and muffin baker and the ultimate gummy fruit snack queen. While she has guided students through many realms of English, her light is stable forever belong to greatly followed. During her epic tenure, Swaldgate watched fresh cohorts venture into the ninth grade chaos, beginning their high school quest in room A11. From there, she prepared them for herculean adventures in 10th and 11th grade. Together they battled the mural life regent exam and stood firm against the clashing titans of distractions before, during, and after the age of self. Finally, they completed their odyssey in 12th grade where they read fantastical stories, watched old and new movies, and truly enjoyed their senior year. Now, her only great labor is complete. Like with the surviving many years, Fran's finally settling setting
017sail for her true. She leaves behind the halls of Niagara Reville for a paradise of her own meeting. A place vacation whenever the fates allow, dying like Zeus, read epic volumes on the beach, now go by the fireplace with a puppy, and spend well-deserved time surrounded by her beloved friends and family. She will be missed here at MW High School, but no hero deserves this peaceful harbor moment. A final epic farewell to an absolute legend. Congratulations, Frank. You deserve. Thank you. actually a little pain. Good evening, members of the board, colleagues, and members of our community. Tonight, we pause to recognize and celebrate a remarkable group of individuals, our teachers and staff who are retiring this year. If I could please have John Coulter is up, Joanne Lombardo. So, John, science or is still teaching
018science. We're not sure yet. Joan Lombardo, our school counselor. Jean Zimmerman, special CT. technology specialized CT a Spanish student special ed grade six going special ed and medical technology. If you look across this fall, we have years of experience. While retirement marks the end of a career, it also represents the lasting legacy of years, often decades, of dedication, care, and service to our students. Each of these individuals has made a meaningful impact in ways that go far beyond the classroom. Yes, they've been educators, teaching lessons, guiding learning, and shaping academic growth. But more importantly, they've been mentors, coaches, role models, and trusted confidants. They've stayed late to listen, shown how early to support, and given their time and energy help students navigate not just school, but life. The influence of a great educator cannot always
019be measured in grades for test scores. It's seen and the confidence they build, the curiosity they inspire, and the countless lives that they've shaped. Many of us can point to someone like those who we honor tonight, someone who believed in us, challenged us, and helped us become who we are. To our retirees, your impact reaches far beyond these walls. It lives on in every student you've encouraged, every colleague you've supported, and every life you've touched. You've helped build not just a school system, but strong school community. While we will deeply miss your presence, your wisdom, and your daily contributions, we are incredibly grateful for all that you have given. You leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come. on behalf of the board and the entire education community and the
020silver creek community for silver creek that's where I was before I feel thank you for your dedication your compassion and your unwavering commitment to the students we wish you a happy healthy fulfilling retirement you've truly earned it and you will greatly be missed Nothing. They go. Next up we have Michelle please. Pleasure tonight to welcome Any values of your retired after 25 years of devoted service to the children and families of bitter. Her remarkable passion for education and genuine enthusia for teaching have made a truly unforgettable teaching has a special gift for caption of her students. Her love of reading, writing, and especially poetry. Inspiring countless children to find joy in learning. She believes deeply in our students abilities and always encourages them to grow, work hard, and be true. Her amazing sense of humor
021and unforgettable oneliners would always bringing endless laughter to all to our school throughout the years. Beyond the classroom when perseverance and determination touched on as mom after she had her children, she went back to school and further her own education. She also such compassionate caregiver to her brother and a dedicated member of the community through her work. when his kindness, strength and humor and dedication have left her lasting impact of everyone fortunate enough to know her and she was dearly. While we are leaving, we are also so excited for all her life and life in the next chapter of her life. As she begins retirement giving her wedding in September, we know that there are many beautiful moments and adventures with grandchildren and memories still to come. Wendy, we wish you the best of endless
022happiness in years to come. Thank you. Next minute I'll dominate Today we gather to celebrate and honor someone who has made a lasting impact on the school community. began her journey with an egg field in 2003 as a substitute food service. She faithfully served in that role for nearly a decade and in 2012 I encouraged her to become a permanent employee as a cook at Colonial Village. Fortunately for all of us, she accepted Michelle spent six wonderful years at Columbia Village before transferring to Eric Road where she has continued serving as a cook until her retirement. In total, Michelle has dedicated 23 years of service to the district. Throughout her career, Michelle has been much more than an employee. She's been a source of comfort, kindness, and joy to the children she has served every
023day. She's always treated our students as if they were her own, going out of her way to make each child feel special and bring a smile to their face. Michelle wears her heart on her sleeve and her genuine care for others has never gone. In fact, her impact extends far beyond the food service department. recently shared a thank you note she received from another district employee that perfectly captures the difference she has made. Mrs. Hardy, thank you for being a constant source of kindness and joy not only to all of our students but to me as well. You make my life easier and happier every time I see her. What a beautiful testament to the person Michelle is and the positivity she brings to those around her. Michelle has also been one of the most
024dependable employees anyone could ask for. She rarely took plan time off even fewer sick days. Her dedication, work ethic, and reliability have been remarkable and deeply appreciated by everyone who's had the privilege of working alongside as she begins this new exciting exciting new chapter. Michelle has shared that she was looking forward to spending more time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She recently welcomed her second grandson, and I know she was eager to enjoy every moment she can with them. Michelle, I want to take a moment to wish you continued health, happiness, and fulfillment in your retirement. It has truly been a blessing to work alongside someone as caring, dedicated, and compassionate as you. And now you can finally take your time continuing to cater to your husband, continuing to cook for him, peel his
025breakfast, hard-boiled eggs, peel his oranges, and pour his coffee every day without having to rush out. Thank you for your 23 years of service, your kindness, your dedication and countless lives you baptized along the way. You truly will be breaking this. We are happy for you as you begin this well title. Congratulations. Next jump. Hello. I am very honored uh to speak on behalf of uh Tina Seager, one of our kindergarten teachers over at Columbia Village. Um I'm honored because Tina, come on down. Tina is one of the most kindest, welcoming people you will ever meet. And although I've only been at Colonial Village for two years now, I've been the recipient of this kindness and just being welcomed with open arms. Um, it just speaks volumes. Everybody who meets her knows Tina. I think
026those will be probably the two words that come out of their mouth is being kind and welcoming. Um, I'm very honored. She has a passion for teaching. She's touched so many countless young lives over three decades devoted service, most of which were at Niagara Week Hill and a couple over at Niagara Falls. Um, from the moment I met her, I've love I can see the passion she has for working with children with every lesson taught, every encouraging word spoken, and every small hand gently guided. Her classroom has been more than a place of learning. It has been a space where children discover their own potential, where curiosity is nurtured, and where every student knows they are truly seen and valued. She has shaped not just their academic foundations, but their hearts, teaching them kindness, confidence,
027and the pure joy that comes from learning something new. And I see this every single day in her classroom. It is truly remarkable. I say if you've never been in a kindergarten classroom, I invite all of you to go in there. It takes remarkable individuals to teach kindergarten and she is a remarkable person. Tina, beyond your remarkable gift of teaching, I feel as though I've known your family for such a long time and they're all here. can even stand up in the back just I'm a true believer you are who you are because of the people in your lives and I know Tina and the love that she has come from the individuals who are sharing at this event tonight with her. Um I love getting to know about her grandson Oliver who's back there.
028His love for the Buffalo Bills, the New York Yankees. Um it's made great conversations for the two of us in the hallway and I know other colleagues. Um your love for tradition. I even got her 90s canoli recipe this year that she shared with me. But thank you. Um but this is all just the kind welcoming person that she is um that I've witnessed again throughout my time getting to know her. You have treated colleagues not just as co-workers but as family sharing life's moments both big and small with genuine care and friendship. You are a constant source of support to everyone fortunate enough to work alongside you during this time. Your unwavering advocacy for your students, fighting for their needs, celebrating their victories, and believing in their potential has been truly inspiring. While we
029celebrate this well-earned retirement and the exciting new chapter ahead, we also recognize that your absence will be deeply felt. You leave behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless lives changed for the better. And I know that your students, both young and old, carry them on with you and with them as well. Thank you for the many years of making the world brighter. One child at a time. Congratulations on your retiring. Next up, we have third mom. All right. Good evening everyone. My first retiree is Felisa Bosio. Would you please come forward, Felisa? This should be one of the biggest crowds I've ever spoken to. So, congratulations to all the retirees. Quite a quite a setting here today. Um, Felisa Felisa spent 29 years in Niagara Wheatfield and eight years at a private school for
030a total of 37 years teaching. I have been I have been fortunate to work with Lisa for 22 years. Felisa is a West Street staple being part of the building opening it part of the building opening in 1998. She's been a reading specialist her entire career. Felisa has helped countless students over her career break the code and learn to read. Her students come with many needs in both reading and writing. If you were to walk by her room at any time, ready for this? I guarantee you, you would see one of the biggest smiles you'd ever see in her room. and staring back at her, you would see anywhere between two to six children at her horseshoe table that would be smiling back at her. You would also see the most fragile learners learning to
031read and gaining confidence every minute. We have spent countless hours in RTI meetings. One thing I will always remember is the term fos dust. This meant Alisa helped a student make great gains in reading and we always celebrated that. We used to ring the bell, too. Um, I will miss her smile, the commitment she brought to Wester. Police is truly one of a kind. She will not be forgotten because she said she's going to be coming back to help out in a limited capacity. Congratulations, Felicia. All right, right from here we've got John Boute. If John would come forward, please. John is our physical education teacher at West Street and he's spent 26 years at West Street covering u 26 years total in the district. Um he's covered both art andora spending over 20 years
032at West Street. And once again when I think of John I come back to the smile. Um I start with that because John simply loves being a PE teacher. Uh just yesterday we opened our new playground. Being nervous about safety, I asked John and Lou to go over the equipment with all the grade levels. So yesterday I walked out there and I watched him break down all the equipment, how to be safe, taking the kids through it in a stepbystep manner. He guided them just like he did for over 20 years when I observed him. He knew how to break down athletics and sports so that students could shine and excel. uh his passion for his uh craft has always shined through. On a personal note, John and I connected through our love of sports
033memorabilia. John is wellversed in all things Buffalo sports. He has served on the Western New York Hall of Fame committee for many years. He will be missed next year. I would like to see some Florida pictures when we are buried in snow next winter to let us know that you're having fun in retirement. Congratulations, John. Next Glory. Good evening. I want to first start out by saying how proud I am to be here tonight with all of you. There are educators that are coming in to welcome and work with students and help them to find the best being of who they want to be. We have people who have dedicated years and years to servicing students and to making um the time, effort, and energy available to all students so that they could succeed and
034find their being. But tonight, I am especially proud to be here to honor Deb Leen, who has been a member of the Tusora family for over 26 years. During that time, she has been like a chameleon of sorts. So, she has come into the school not knowing what to expect each day. Uh sometimes we would ask her to participate and follow her normal schedule, which would uh be a teacher's aid. However, that wasn't very often. Sometimes we would have to have her cover and uh help a student with an art project. Sometimes we would have students that needed to work in a small group, in small reading groups. Um, she was able to do pretty much anything and everything. And she always did it with a smile on her face. She her kind, genuine, quiet
035nature really helps students to move forward and to uh respect her and know her. And there I just came into this role last year and there are how many times that I have not heard a dev story would not go anywhere in the community. So uh a lot of times what happens is uh I'll be out and students will come to see Miss Story I saw Miss Gleeton and she was out there really excited jumping up and down. Um, we have families that come into the office and they saw that we were making a sign for Dev and they uh were like, "Oh, Devon, I remember when she was in my class back at in sixth grade." Um, and it's really a special thing to have all of those years with hundreds and thousands and
036thousands probably of students that she worked with and she celebrated each day. She was always very consistent and she was on time and very regular. Very rarely missed from work. It was something that uh was valued and respected amongst colleagues and even so Deb actually left us earlier this school year. After she left um a lot of our stu our teachers would even come down and they're like I really wish that was here because I don't know how to do the laminator. And you know, uh it's really important to remember that you chief uh all all of our staff are respected, but everybody works together in union as one to become a family and especially at Tusora, a very special small school. Um our Tuscalora family wishes nothing but the best for Deb, her family,
037her retirement. I know she's looking forward to spending more time with family and her grandson. um and she's very busy doing so. Congratulations. Before I say a few words about Deb, I want to acknowledge some of the incredible retirees um that I've had the pleasure of working with in some capacity these past six years. Dan Ball, Diane Calling, Don Coulter, Lorie Garner, Joanne Lombardo, Erlene Mullen, Sandy Wendy readyates Susan Mortby and Zimmerman. Congratulations much deserved now. Deb Coulter has been a school psychologist for the past 31 years. It is a true pleasure to say a few words about Deb. And I promise her that it would would indeed be only a few words. Even though I could probably write an entire book acknowledging her and what she has meant to me, our department, and the
038district as a whole, Deborah, thank you for everything. I wish nothing but the best for you and John in retirement and I look forward to hearing all about future grandchildren and adventures. Tonight you will be leaving here with a crystal hat. But like any legend, you also will be leaving here a champion hills. Next seat. a column by living now. has been with us for 13 years going for the he retired he came back that's a wonderful thing for 17 drive home if anybody gets down there but this year he won't move to Florida and enjoy the sunshine was always willing to help out Jonathan driver. He's enjoyable. He's also for us. He's willing to help out. He is very rich. Sign it. >> Well, Rich has got a story. He's 10 years. He's been
039with us for 10 years. The CD wrote a book about him called Be on the Bus. I would love to get my hands on it, but well, I know they said he couldn't find it. Bridge is going to play in the sand box ship. And if anybody gets Young Diner, he's going to dishwash. Thank you. Wonderful. Incredibles. Hello everyone. Excuse me. So, first of all, I'd like to say thank you to everyone that came out tonight. What a wonderful crowd. And congratulations to all the retirees here tonight. As Dan mentioned, for 1,370 years by is absolutely amazing. So if I could get from my staff, Mark Plac, Kathy Gordon, Linda Stein, come up for a double dip and Wendy Glover, you guys can come up front, please. Now, I talked to all my staff here
040that are going before this and they told me to keep it short and sweet, which I promise. Mark actually said I could only say three words, but I think we got to do just a couple more than that, but I promise it'll be quick. So, in the front here, Mark Clay has been with us for 17 years. He is a 1978 graduate of Niagara Field and obviously instrumental in so much stuff behind the scenes like everybody up here. You know, they start early mornings and work late into the night. A lot of stuff goes unnoticed, but it definitely doesn't go unnoticed to me and a lot of the staff to see what goes on here. So, Mark has a lot to do with the wall of fame, the cabinets, the podium that I'm standing at
041built. So, thank you, Mark, for everything you do with this time. had 26 years with us and he started as a bus driver and then where was it started in the cleaning at Colonial Village and then Eric Road and then down to Tuscalor with me for my whole time here. Um, as I speak of all three of these ladies on the end, absolutely phenomenal. No problems, no no hiccups. There's no stories you can tell because it just works smooth. Um, I I don't know what else to say, but thank you. Same with Wendy. nine years year of service for the district here at the high school. I thank you for everything you did for the setups, the crazies, the calls that I make late saying, can you guys get that done when I put an
042email? Thank you. And Linda, they talked about you before, but thank you and Kathy to do a Tusora for me. Um, it was seamless at that school. Um, I thank you for your service and all the years. And I laughed when I talked. She told me you had 29.71 years. So I guess I was right on the money. But again, thank you all. Thank you. So tonight I have the pleasure of honoring four very special individuals. Two who have served on this board of education and one who has served as secretary of the superintendent. The last I'm going to talk about first is actually our student leg to the board of education and that's Ethan Powell. Come on over here along with being incredibly involved um in the music program. He was increased by the
043way he was in I think the toughest part of his act. I was on stage for a while that as well. Um Ethan was also multi. He decided to dedicate his time to the board of education. What that means for a student is that twice a month they get to come out in the evenings often after practices after games and uh after music practices practices and civic board meetings and share that student perspective Ethan's done an incredible job that there's all different ways to do all sorts of jobs right uh Ethan do heels he was instrumental part of our seat crew he was part of both of our um eco campus projects this year. Giving his hands a little dirty for school and not only himself but bringing other others out to join them which
044is a really uh a good show of his leadership and leadership skills. He provided updates to the board. He was always appropriate in sharing student perspectives that that great leadership and participation probably is going to serve you well. He also is a member of our tri district leadership group and that is a leadership student leadership group with both and falls. He was actually selected as the representative from the our nominating group and the rising leader award as the nominee. So congratulations to all the work you did with us this year. Um, we we do have a black machine that this plaque will hang our board education. Um, it'll be there for many years to come. It's actually the first part of this flag. This is the second class from Up next, it's my pleasure to
045talk about our first board member who will be leaving us at the conclusion of his term on June 30th, Mr. Mike Lee. Mike has served on the board the past three years. Almost immediately he jumped into additional subcommittee work as he served as a member of our audit committee. A lot of fun, right? But really important work. I will remember Mike's caring board member who volunteered his time to help make the FW community a better place. Mike chose to run for the board of education give back to this community. He did this while working in a high level leadership position in the Niagara Falls Police Department and serving as a counselor on the town of Niagara board. Mike is recently retired as he works a leadership role in local security aids. We wish Mike all
046the best in his class of retirement and thank you for his three years of service on the board of education. Next, it's really an honor to say a few words about a board member who has served this school community for the past nine years and in dogs as an attorney to the board of education. This individual is a proud magnicular alumnist and the current president of our board of education, Mr. Jason. Jason has steer this district for nearly a decade. He was a member of multiple committees including our audit committee. He's also been activating school boards association at events and NISPA which is the New York State School Boards Association. He volunteered additional time to become a more informed board member so that he could better serve the NW school community. His additional participation actually
047earned him a level two board of excellence award with the New York State School Boards Association. And I actually have a certificate for him right here. Jason was one of seven board members who helped deal with and lead the district through the global pandemic, which was not an easy thing for anyone to navigate. During much of his time on our school board, Jason has also served on the town board. further demonstrating his commitment to our local community. Personally, I will remember Jason dedicated board member who routinely asks thoughtful and important questions in an effort to improve our district. Tonight, it is my pleasure to present Jason with his commemorative apple and the certificate which given Ladies and gentlemen, that queens just don't mean front table. Last but absolutely not. It's my pleasure to talk a
048little bit about the district. She has served 24 years with more than half those years as the secretary of the superintendent in the last 11 years alongside me. alongside some things that I'm not going to say anymore. For those who don't know, a couple years ago, last year, I remember I was struck up here by one of our retirees who said she was just trying to give me a hug. >> Many of you know, respect and love Jan. Jan has been the first voice in the superintendent's office for many years. Jan is the constant profession never met. Jan maintains the same calm, caring demeanor, tone in all situations. Jan's a master at juggling many things at one time and a great multitasker. Jan is a maximum problem solver and over the years I've become accustomed
049to Jan stating a problem and then saying, "Oh, I was thinking you could do this, you could do that." And she was always right. Perhaps most impressive about Jan is that she understands something about working in a large organization that some people never get. You are a representative of something much bigger than me. It's never about you. It's always about the organization, but it's about serving others. Approximately one month ago, I had the opportunity to attend the Western New York Education Service Council Awards of Excellence dinner. Capital Jan was honored for her truly outstanding service for history. It was a culminating event for her life's work at MW and Jan was one of a very small group in our Western New York. As a person who had the chance to work so closely with Gina,
050you might think how very lucky I have been. As a matter of fact, some of you in the audience have told me how very lucky I have been. People in the district office have certainly told me how lucky I've been to work in the gym. Staff members from tell me great jazz. The board of education has definitely told me how lucky I am to work with Jan how Jan district people I meet for the first time tell me how wonderful Jan is for those familiar with one particular person Brady Marsh it's like the Marshall Marshall Marshall that's been my life for the last 11 years jam jam jam so please indulge me as I share There's a few stories about what I've been doing I mean I mean learned while working too. First I learned
051about abbreviations and that not all abbreviations are like the first thing. One morning I got to the office put up a folder that you had to put out sat a few things. On top of that pile was something we had discussed the previous step. But on top of that was a post and that posted just butters on you. Now you can imagine my surprise when Jan came back to the office. Okay. I walked out set the postit in front of her and I said and I walked away. She looked at it. She goes, "Wait, wait. What do you mean? That means follow up." Something I've seen that number. Second, I learned about the deep, dark, fascinating world of style. You know, the love of It's an immense worldwide group with a member in I think
052the double digits of these. The knowledge gained by Janet through that covert organization saved many men from early doom. I certainly know that. Next, I learned so much about the sport of softball. But with Jan's daughter in the sit, I learned all about team Jan. You see, it's always team Jan Ever and team Dan Noah. One day I accidentally unknowingly asked for those waters. I was signing off on submits that Jan had prepared. Usually they were perfect. So I would always write perfect. And Jan would say, "Well, thanks. I'll put that in the fridge." And he was like, "Oh, Joe." Well, one day there were letters. So I wrote on paper the word decent and gave her back minutes. She came back into the office over folder and she goes decent. And she comes and
053stands in front of my door and I'll see what the business ladies had to say about decent. less that I really learned all about Jan I think go back to business for a while that's told me so much in all sincerity this district I will miss having her as a work partner the last 11 years has been much better than this it has been truly epic at this time it is my absolute pleasure to present J her Please join me one more time in congratulating and wishing all of our love well earned. Before we get into the board agenda, I'd like to ask I'm going to read through all the names of our technical. I'd like if you're in the room, please stand so you can be recognized before the actual um board meeting resumes
054here. So, first Laura Crooks Standing stand General Take no one. I am so excited to be recommending you all to the board of education tonight and look forward to long careers having incredible impact on children like those we saw tonight. So congratulations Okay, congratulations and thank you very much. We'll continue with uh the business meeting. Um so I'll call for a motion to accept consensus items uh numbers one to six as presented. >> So move second move and seconded. All those in favor please say I. I oppos. Motion carries. Uh, next I'll call for a motion to approve personnel items all besides numbers two, three, four, five, eight, 10, nine, and 10. That's been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please say I. I. Most sain. Motion carries. Uh turning over to Mr. Stack.
055>> Why don't Why don't we take >> Do you want to do that? Yeah. Okay. Let's wait five minutes. >> We'll recess for five minutes before we call up those being recommended to the board tonight for appointments. Pause for five minutes. Okay, everybody. We're going to hear if I can have everybody's attention for those individuals that the board of education uh will be looking at their appointments this evening. I'll call everybody out one by one. First person I'd actually like to introduce uh the board of education and recommend for appointing this evening to the board of educations um is actually if you can come up please and uh we're asking the board of education uh for support for her appointments. Uh Colonial Village is an art teacher. Um Ashley loves to crochet, which is sort
056of a lost art, you know, and that's really the main thing there. She commission sweaters after you're done with that, which is incredible. Um her cat Max is turning 10 this year. So I wish you many more to Max. Uh this this one is very personal. Just so you know, her favorite place to eat is Tacos and that is in New York yard separates corners. >> It's fantastic. Um you know just a side note about Ashley Ashley's been uh with the district on and off at least since and this is a really neat story. I don't recall any time where, you know, I've seen someone work a bunch of different roles in a district and have a permanent appointment as a cleaner and work their way into a position as an art teacher, putting herself
057through school, uh, often grueling time, uh, you know, after work to get her classwork done and actually is really u overachieved for us. We're really looking forward to the support for her at uh buildings and our teacher and the intentions. >> With that, I'll call call for a motion to approve the appointment of Ashley Aaron as presented. So move. >> It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please say I. I. Oppos.ain. Motion carries. Congratulations. Second appointment we have this evening uh deliverance uh support board would be Michael O'Brien. Michael this one's hard for me uh given the fact that he towers over me but Mike uh welcome uh to our board of education uh this evening and we support Michael's uh appointment to a physical education position at West. You heard tonight that
058Michael would be in essence stepping in from Mr. Bout sitting up front here and great deal of experience here. Um Michael is a graduate of Clarence. Uh he enjoys really just speaking to every facet of athletics. Um I know that he's truly very passionate about coaching. This came out when we were talking because it's not often you see a guy that's so completely involved and passionate about lacrosse and when they approached him to coach baseball he said yes at Marian Central School District which is a smaller district down state. It's nearest town in Wallorth New York. Um so um he's got some experience down there. He's looking to come to us and uh he's also looking forward to contributing outside of the classroom with our students here. So we have more support for Michael O'Brienation.
059>> Call for a motion to approve the appointment of Michael O'Brien as presented. >> So move. >> It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. Opposed. Abstain. Motion carries. Congratulations. >> This this evening is Jacowski. Jules. This evening we ask for the board support for Jamie Osakowski. And Jamie is a proud Wefield alum. Uh also a parent and has worked the last three years at Tanawanda City School District. Um she's also graduated both undergraduate and grad of Buffalo State College and specializes in both elementary education special education. Um she's not completely new to us. Dave worked for us actually during the pandemic. She helped us out quite a bit during u some of those uh very challenging years when the school did her. She did a wonderful job then.
060We're very confident that she's going to be able to do a wonderful job now. So we're asking the board this evening for her special education teacher at Edtown Middle School. >> Call for a motion to approve the appointment of Jamie Ozakowski. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please say I. I >> oppose. Motion carries. Congratulations. >> Next individual that I'd like to introduce for the board of education that we're here this evening is Nicholas Prior. Okay. >> He's pretty fast. So, you know, I'll start Nicholas. uh or Nick Ras the board support for Nick to a fiscal education position. This one is that Eric wrote um and Nick has uh obviously um put some time in the last year at Niagara Falls City School District has served there as
061a physical education teacher and bonus skills. He's a proud graduate of Niagara Wefield. I know Niger Wefield is truly important to him because he's also serving our hockey program both modified and varsity in hockey with distinction running a lot of clinics for us also serving as a JD lacrosse coach. He really does truly enjoy physical fitness in every way. He plans on doing a is it a half iron is that what you're doing half iron man this summer and he's looking forward to uh really turning into his home school district and um especially looking forward to his work at Eric Road. So we have the board support this evening for Nick Brier. >> Call for a motion to approve the appointment of Nicholas Brier as presented. >> So move. >> It's been moved and seconded.
062All those in favor, please say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Congratulations. Did not see Sarah seek it until right now, but Sarah is here. Sarah is actually at six on the agenda and she was already welcome Sarah. Sarah is joining us as a 2021 graduate of Louis. Very happy about that. Sarah graduate degree from Nagra University in childhood education grade 1 to six and special education in all grades. She is currently working in masters in literacy and that's also all grades from Niagara University. So that's keeping her certainly occupied. In her free time, she enjoys staying very active being outside traveling and watching Buffalo sports. So I feel a good pain on that. But we're going to continue to work. Um and we asked for the board's uh support for uh Sarah Mang this
063evening to special education teacher at Edward Middle School. Call for a motion to appoint Sarah Mang as presented. >> Moved and seconded. I believe we did vote on her already. All in favor again say I. >> I opposed. Motion carries. Congratulations. >> Next we have Alexis. Alexis. is item F8 on the agenda this evening. >> So tonight with a requirement recognition that um you know we have four special education teachers leaving Evertown Middle School. So we ask for the board support this evening for le Alexis Mort for Edwardtown Middle School who is a graduate of Buffalo State with a bachelor's in early childhood uh education and childhood education as well. She also has her master's degree in special education also from also from Buffalo State and she's worked in education since 2020 uh most recently
064at Roy Central Schools and um she has a great deal of experience fifth grade middle school so she feels very comfortable with that. Um her four-year-old son Alexander um is also going to be a fellow. It's very exciting. believe is coming into kindergarten this year. PreK this year, is that what it was? So, um very very exciting for Alexis uh to be here. She's certainly committed to the school district and she loves being active. As soon as she gets out of here, she's very active doing her stuff at the gym and being outside. So, we certainly ask for the board support this evening for Alexis Morris. >> Call for a motion to approve the appointment of Alexis Morris as presented. >> So, moved. >> Been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please say I.
065I opposed. Motion carries. Congratulations As I call um Jackie up, we ask for the board support for Jackie's appointment to Eric Ro special education teacher. And Jackie has been a fixture of sorts in our school district uh for for many reasons. She's been extraordinarily active with West PTO group and has worked extensively to benefit our students. especially at at West and moreover has been extremely active in our incredible musicals some of which I've attempted to add. Um so you know Mr. gone far exceed my capacities. By the way, I I wanted to just uh say how lucky we are to bring Jackie over who's coming to us with a great deal of experience um this past year, especially in fall. And um I think she's going to bring a a really positive vibe to Eric
066Road and to the students and we feel for years to come. So we ask support for Jaclyn special. Call for a motion to call for a motion to approve the appointment of Jacqueline Demino as presented. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Congratulations. >> Item number 10 is Scott. Jenna is a very proud field graduate as well. It's great when we see those stories below wanting to return. She's currently residing in Tanawanda uh New York with her boyfriend and two cats and cuddles and lucky great names. And she has gained valuable teaching experience at Eric Road. um especially as a lead been there helping us so much and really over the last few years or so helped us and uh
067she als she also kind of had school as a child so it's really need to return um she's happy to continue serving the nfield community in New Zeal this evening uh for an appointment >> call for a motion to approve the appointment of Jenna Hawk >> been moved and seconded all those in favor please say I I opposed abstained. Motion carries. Congratulations. >> Appointed at the last meeting, but she definitely wanted to come here and I wanted her to be here as well as I just wanted her to come off as well. >> You added a very good reason for not being here last week because it was her birthday is plain celebration. The family that they did not want her to miss. So she she volunt I said no we'll we'll take care of
068it different day. So um thank you to the board for the appointment of Emily to do a kindergarten position at Colonial Village last meeting that was June 3rd but just a couple of fun uh things about Emily. Um she's a Sunni Portland graduate so she's a Red Dragon of choice and also uh does a lot of work uh in the community. uh the greater Niagara community with swim lessons for youth. Uh in particular, she's helped Nfield coaching junior varsity uh here and this past year she had the distinction of serving at Western in a long-term capacity where she did a long-term substitute for a full year. Really gained some I think invaluable experience at a great building and the feedback was just so so immense. um she no surprise you know has earned her way
069into a position at Colonial Village and will continue to serve as village. So thank you for the appointment there but I know that we take the right >> Can you bring the mic? Congratulations once again to everyone. Uh moving on now to our standing committees. Uh any report from the capital projects committee? >> Uh there's really no nothing yet that started the other day. I know you speak ju just really quick. We still don't have an update for the ribbon cutting. There's just a couple at least a couple items that you just can't get in there until those things are done. >> Thanks. Moving on to our policy, Kitty. >> Um, we have policies. >> Okay, I'll just read those into the record. It's policy number 6410, acceptable use policy for personnel. Policy 6412, social
070media use. Policy of 7244 student directory information policy 7315 acceptable use policy for students. That's all. So with that, I'll call for a motion to approve those policies as presented. >> So move. >> That's been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please say I. >> I opposed. Motion carries. Uh moving on to our external communications. There's an internal claim to auditor report. It's therefore anformational items. Uh move to our exeicio student members report. Hello there. Um I'd like to say a few things about what's going on in school. First off, we had our prom last weekend and it was wonderful. Everyone that planned it did absolutely phenomenal. It looked great. Everyone was dressed wonderfully and it was ran so smoothly. So, thank you to all the administrative and all the teachers and staff that
071were helping and actually making this happen. So, thank you very much to all of you. And I'd also like to say that man, this has been wonderful. Thank all of you guys for helping me out and selecting me to be here. It's it's been a wonderful year, you know, and I really enjoyed it and I've learned a lot from all you guys and all the teachers. If any of you are still here that are retiring, you guys have been great and thank you for your service at our school. It you will be greatly missed. So, thank you very much. That is all >> for Christmas report. I don't have anything other than to say congratulations to everyone that was recognized tonight, our retirees and our tenurs and our uh new teachers and staff that are
072joining us. And with that, I'll pass to our superintendent for this report. >> Thank you. I am going to send all of you I don't a copy of our draft calendar. Okay. I think we brought it up before the meeting, but I'll send it an email if everybody's comfortable with that. the way it's written. I'd like to at least be able to get our um flip calendar um with those dates on it. Okay. So, I'll send that out to everyone. One thing that we are going to ask you to act on under business today is that first meeting in July because we need to get that on the calendar. Okay? And that's the reorg meeting. So, um I know Jason has that in his notes. At our next meeting on June 17th, um we'll talk
073a little bit about the uh turf and turf field and community use. Um also the auditorium usage. As long as everyone's um comfortable with still moving forward, we'd like to do a short presentation in July on the EV bus study that was done knowing full well that right now that's been pushed back five years. Okay. In New York State, but we'd still like to present a little bit of that to the board. Um I just have as a reminder, the NISSBA conference is October 22nd through 24th. Um Renee will be putting stuff out to you about when we need to sign up for that. It is in Buffalo, so the need to necessarily book a room doesn't exist, so it should be a little bit easier. And that's all I have. >> Thank you. Are
074there any items for board discussion? Any old business? Uh for new business, um call for a motion looking at July 1st for reorganization meeting. Motion for that. >> It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. I opposed motion carries on that. Uh open the floor to public comments. Any uh residents? Anybody? All right. Thank you. Uh any board member comments tonight? >> Yeah. I just want to congratulate all the new teachers coming in. I want to congratulate all the teachers. They're retired. sadly miss and staff. I see Linda still here and some good friends for years and Jan Bob. She listens to uh all board members calling for Dan and Dan's around there and what's up with us. But I want to thank all of this and good luck
075and stay healthy. I just want to reiterate what Rick just said. Um I congratulations all the retirees. I wish you the best in your retirement. Um work well done. We appreciate everything that you've done for us. Um as far as the new teachers, welcome to N Whefield. Uh you'll you will enjoy Ner Wefield. I guarantee you. And to all the attenders, congratulations. Uh, it's a beat that you got to get there and congratulations for doing it. With that, I'll turn it over to Jason. >> Thanks. >> Uh, with that, I will call for a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion seconded. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. We're adjourned. Thank you.