SILVER CREEK - The vacancy left on the Silver Creek Board of Education by Louis Dispenza at the end of June was filled Wednesday.
Longtime educator and former Silver Creek Village Board Trustee Greg Cole was unanimously appointed to fill the spot on the board until the next election in May.
"I look forward to working with him," Board President Martha Howard said.
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Longtime teacher and former Silver Creek Village Board Trustee Greg Cole was appointed to the Silver Creek Board of Education Wednesday.
Superintendent Daniel Ljiljanich pointed out the position will run until May 21, the day after the election, when the newly elected member will immediately take office instead of the usual June 30 date.
Cole was not present at the meeting but said in a phone interview he is excited about his appointment to the board.
"I am grateful for being appointed to the school board. I have two adult children who graduated from the district and my youngest currently attends Silver Creek School," Cole said.
He said his experience as a teacher will help him as he serves on the board.
"I have been a teacher for 28 years at BOCES and Fredonia State. I am National Board Certified and have an extensive knowledge of education," he said.
He said the drop-out rate will be his focus while he is on the board.
"My major focus will be to reduce or eliminate high school dropouts. I think this should be the main focus on a school, state and national level," he added.
When asked if he intended to run for election in May, he responded, "We'll see how it goes."
Cole said he will attend the next board meeting Sept. 12.
The board also appointed Anthony Montoro as business teacher after Janet Arnold's retirement and Amy Heller was appointed as a home instruction teacher after Jennifer Waterman's retirement. David Skalski was given a probationary appointment as a special education teacher.
The board also accepted the resignation of Rose Ann Falcone for the purpose of retirement. The board thanked her for over 20 years of service to the district.
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