Dzierba shared the “really exciting news” with data breaking down various testing formats, both in state assessments and through iReady testing. Regarding English and Language Arts scores, the District reports total proficiency from 40.5% of students in grades 3 and 4, totaling 68 students — 30 in grade three and 38 in grade four. In Math, the District reports total proficiency from 35 students in grade three (49%) and 44 students in grade four (47%).

“I’m very, very, very happy with the progress that we’re seeing,” Dzierba said. She credited new, challenging online programming with bringing consistency to the Elementary level.

Gowanda Elementary School has 431 students from Pre-K through fourth grade. Of those 431 students, 88 are classified as special education students, representing 20% of the overall population. In addition, 33 students have 504 support plans – more than 7% of the overall student population.

Of its 431 students, according to iReady benchmarks established to track reading scores throughout the school year, 79% of kindergartners, 92% of first graders, 79% of second graders, 63% of third graders, and 82% of fourth graders were below the standards for the grade level they were starting the year at this past fall. Math scores showed even more ground needing to be made up throughout the year, with 87% of kindergartners, 96% of first graders, 90% of second graders, 86% of third graders, and 81% of fourth graders testing below the grade level benchmark.

Gowanda Elementary School recently welcomed players from the Buffalo Bandits lacrosse team to promote the game to Gowanda students.

Dzierba said throughout the year, the District expects to see substantial growth from its students through winter and spring testing periods. The District has set a goal of 75% of its students grades K-4 meeting or exceeding grade level standards at the end of year assessments in June. Another notable District goal is a 10% reduction of students classified as chronically absent at each school building.

“Everything we do revolves and connects directly back to those goals,” said Dzierba.

The Elementary School also recently welcomed players from the Buffalo Bandits to interact with students. The Bandits regularly visit schools across western New York to promote the game of lacrosse to young children. Dzierba called the visit from the Bandits “really wonderful.”

Speaking to the opportunities the Elementary School provides its students, Dzierba said, “We aren’t just the academic side. We do really try to make sure that kids get exposure to areas of learning … that help to engage them, things that help to motivate them, things that help to have them want to come to school.”

Gowanda Elementary School offers physical education to students every day, while other special courses rotate. At the high school level, Gowanda is one of only a few school districts in the region that supports its own varsity lacrosse programs.

The Board of Education also made a commitment to continue its support of the varsity trap team in its quest for a state championship later this year. The trap team was approved to attend the state championship competition from June 7-8 in Cicero, just north of Syracuse. The shooting schedule for the event is released approximately a week before the event.

Approximately 15 students are expected to attend the event, which is open to more than 165 eligible programs statewide, featuring approximately 1,600 participants in Class 1. Parents/guardians are asked to drive students or carpool with other members of the team. The team will stay overnight at Comfort Suites in Cicero. District funds will be used for registration and ammunition costs, with a grand total of $1,755 estimated cost to be covered through the team’s budgeted funds. Remaining costs – including lodging – will be covered by team parents/guardians or through fundraising.

The District also agreed to a merged sports program agreement to have varsity girls swimmers compete as part of the Eden Central School District’s program in the 2025-2026 season. Additionally, wrestling and football programs will be combined with Pine Valley for the 2025-2026 school year.

Also of note, the District accepted a $573 donation for the Class of 2028 from the Gowanda Booster Club for a movie event held Dec. 8, as well as a donation of $300 from the Gowanda Sports Booster Club for the Gowanda Thespian Society to support the high school musical.

Stephanie Bean resigned from the role of cook, instead taking on the role of a substitute food service worker, school monitor, and cook. Brandi Clabeaux was terminated from the roles of school monitor and substitute food service helper due to job abandonment.

Additionally, Melanie Kessler Schott resigned as Varsity Girls Track and Field Coach; Trevor Krawczyk was appointed as a substitute teacher/teaching assistant; and Charlesa Tharnish was appointed as a substitute teacher/teaching assistant and substitute school monitor. Hayley Osterstuck and Michelle Merrill were appointed to extracurricular positions. Madeline Selby, Lucas Cochran, and Jaden Pencille were approved as student teachers.

The next meeting of the Gowanda Board of Education is Wednesday, Feb. 12.