GOWANDA — At a recent meeting, the Gowanda Board of Education authorized a trip for its eighth-grade students just before they leave the middle school ranks later this year.

The Board of Education approved a field trip request for the 8th Grade Class Trip to Washington, D.C., from June 13-15, 2025. The Board reserves the right to cancel due to student health and safety concerns.

The trip includes tours of the Capitol building, the White House, the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress. The group will also visit the Vietnam and Korean memorials, as well as the World War II, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Roosevelt memorials. Students and chaperones will also enjoy a dinner cruise at the National Harbor, with a visit to the Smithsonian Museum complex the following day.

Prices range from $629 to $899 per person depending on how many students participate, with costs to be covered through fundraisers.

The Board of Education also received a presentation from Middle School Principal Todd Miklas on the state of the Middle School. Currently, enrollment is at 334, which is up 12 students from the end of last year and up 9 students from the end of 2023. Of those 334 students, 207 have received Merit, Honor, or High Honor Roll status after the first 10 weeks.

Along with advanced classes, arts and music courses, and modified sports programs, students can also participate in Chess Club, Book Club, Art Club, American Sign Language Club, and the school musical, The Lion King Jr., which features more than 140 members of the cast and crew set to premiere its production March 19-20.

“Our District is very supportive. There are tremendous opportunities for students here. We’re proud as a school district that we are supported by our community so well and that we can offer so many awesome opportunities for students that students our size elsewhere might not be able to,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Anderson.

At its recent meeting, the Board also accepted a donation of $300 from Mark and Barbara Nephew to benefit The Thrifty Panther store.

Regarding personnel moves at the District, Anthony Giordano was appointed to the probationary position of Information Technology Specialist. Salary and benefits are stipulated in the collective bargaining agreement, with a probationary period retroactively commencing on Nov. 14. The District also appointed Breven McMahon to the full-time position of Keyboard Specialist II, retroactive to Nov. 27.

Keysean Alexander was appointed as a probationary Custodian. Steven Ditchey was permanently appointed as Custodian. Both appointments were retroactive to Nov. 7.

Riley Persinger, Sophia Genovese and Josalyn Degenfelder were appointed as a Substitute Teacher/Teaching Assistants. Degenfelder can also substitute as a School Monitor. Mary Grimm was also appointed as a Substitute Teaching Assistant.

Chelsey Sundown was appointed as a Bus Driver, effective Dec. 12. The Board also accepted the resignation of Maintenance Mechanic Jeremy Valone, effective Dec. 6.

A transportation contract with Erie Bus Co. in the amount of $694 per day was approved by the Board. A temporary transportation agreement between the Gowanda and Salamanca school districts was also approved.

Athletic materials and supplies bids were also awarded to Laux in the amount of $987 and BSN Sports in the amount of $3,600.90.

The next meeting of the Gowanda Board of Education is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 15.