Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston began her comments at a recent Board of Education meeting by sharing exciting news of the district’s updated athletic track.

“The track is finished,” Ralston said to the Board of Education. “If you haven’t seen it or been out on it, go enjoy it. It’s done.”

The district funded the new athletic track entirely from the capital reserve fund at no added expense to taxpayers.

Additionally, four new teachers were hired at the recent meeting, including one with deep roots in Chautauqua County as he enters his first year of teaching.

Pictured is the newly installed athletic track, which the district funded through its capital reserve fund at no added expense to taxpayers.

Nate Shuart, a Fredonia High School and SUNY Fredonia graduate, was among the four teaching hires recently finalized at Silver Creek.

Shuart, who was a multi-sport star at Fredonia High School in football and basketball, served as a student teacher and junior varsity boys basketball coach at Fredonia High School last year while he finished his studies at SUNY Fredonia. Shuart, who holds initial certification in Social Studies Grades 7-12, will teach High School Social Studies at Silver Creek, where he will also coach the junior varsity boys basketball team.

“I’m excited to be here. In my time here so far, there’s been a lot of great people I’ve met. I’m looking forward to building those relationships and to get this thing going,” Shuart said.

The district also hired a pair of Elementary School teachers, Megan Lattanzio and Catherine Jagodzinski. Lattanzio holds initial certification in Early Childhood Education Birth-Grade 2 and Childhood Education Grades 1-6. Jagodzinski holds professional certification in Early Childhood Education Birth-Grade 2, Childhood Education Grades 1-6, Literacy Birth-Grade 6, and Mathematics Grades 7-9 Extension. Jagodzinski has 15 years of experience recognized by the district.

“II feel very welcomed so far,” said Jagodzinski. “I’m happy to be a part of this district.”

Ralston responded, with a smile, “We’re happy to have you.”

Another area of importance within the district was addressed with the hire of Elton Logan, who will serve as a Seneca Language and Culture teacher. Logan recently received an Indigenous Culture and Language Studies Certification in late June.

Under previous Superintendent Todd Crandall, Silver Creek expressed interest to the state in recognizing the Seneca language for a state teaching certification. If recognized, it would count as a second language for students to take toward graduation.

The district also approved the permanent appointment of bus driver Stefan Mayr and cleaner Patricia Newberry. Probationary appointments that were approved include bus drivers Joe Marchant and Mike Pantano; and bus monitor Edward Gagola. The district also accepted the resignation of elementary teacher Lexi Conner, effective Sept. 20.

Ralston also highlighted the district’s summer school program featured appropriately 120 students grades K-12, along with approximately 60 students participating in Knight U.

“There was a lot of activity here. It was great,” said Ralston.