OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Four Gowanda teachers submitted retirement resignations that were approved at a recent meeting.

GOWANDA — Four Gowanda teachers have submitted their retirement resignations, making this year their last as part of the Panther family.

Wendy Nagle, Georgeanne Strawbrich, Tina Joslyn, and Michelle Hanes are set to retire at year’s end. Nagle is a Reading Teacher; Strawbrich is an Elementary Teacher; Joslyn is a Special Education Teacher; and Hanes is a School Counselor.

In her letter of resignation, Joslyn spoke fondly of her time at Gowanda. Joslyn stated, “Teaching has been a deeply rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such talented colleagues and inspiring students. I am particularly thankful for the support and leadership provided throughout my career in Gowanda. The dedication of this district to fostering a nurturing and engaging learning environment has made my years here truly memorable.”

The District also granted tenure to Wendy Luce, School Social Worker, effective March 17. Luce was recommended for tenure by Middle School Principal Todd Miklas, who stated, “We are truly fortunate to have her as a member of our support staff and school community, if not a future administrator.”

While four valued members of the District are set to move on after the school year concludes, many new faces were approved to join the District, as well.

James Kessler was appointed as a Maintenance Mechanic. Michelle York was appointed as Cook, a promotion from her role of Food Service Helper. Deborah Davis and Haley Foster were each appointed to the role of Teacher Aide.

Phillip Mason was appointed as School Monitor and Substitute Food Service Helper. Kailyn Farner was appointed as a Substitute School Monitor and Substitute Food Service Helper. Four others were appointed to substitute roles of Teacher, Teaching Assistant, and School Monitor: Ian Forbes, Makayla Kuras, Brianna Weinaug and Jill Roberts.

Bailey Rosberg was approved as a Teaching Assistant through the Healthy Kids Program, retroactive to Jan. 28.

Chase Klawon was appointed as Varsity Girls Track Coach and Ray Logan was appointed as a Girls Track Assistant.

William Schindler, a retired Gowanda Teacher, was also approved as a Substitute Teacher.

The Board also approved a memorandum of agreement between the District and the Gowanda Teachers’ Association to add the title of Grades 7-12 Health Department Chairperson.

A donation of $1,000 from district parents to benefit the Gowanda varsity bowling team was approved.

The District also adjusted the 2024-2025 Instructional Calendar to add two half-days at the end of the school year for elementary and middle school students, as well as the restructuring of a superintendent’s day. The changes were made to stay in compliance with the required hours of instruction following an unexpected amount of snow days this winter. If the District were to fall out of compliance, it could be fined a substantial amount.

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