Board approves four new staff hires and adopts memorials policy; superintendent reports on auditorium and electric-bus study

The Niagara Wheatfield Central School District Board approved four staffing actions and adopted a second-reading policy on memorials and honorariums at its meeting.

The hires approved by voice vote or standard motion were:
- Jordan Brooks, full-time social worker to be split between the high school and middle school (1.0 FTE split).
- Emily Lazonis, long-term substitute teacher at West Street Elementary School (first grade).
- Joseph (Joe) Coughlin, probationary 1.0 FTE special education science teacher at Edward Town Middle School.
- Austin Devlin, probationary 1.0 FTE science generalist at Niagara Wheatfield Senior High School.

Board members moved and seconded the personnel approvals; motions carried by voice vote. The board also approved the personnel report covering items 1 through 47 with specified exclusions, and motions approving individual candidates included unanimous voice approvals as recorded.

The board adopted the second reading of policy 37.10, "Memorials and Honorariums," following a reading by the policy committee and a motion to adopt the policy on its second reading.

During superintendent comments, the superintendent provided project updates: the district's auditorium exterior is closing in and interior work is ongoing, with staff anticipating the auditorium will be usable by March of the coming year. The superintendent announced the district's next EcoCanvas project on Oct. 18 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. behind the high school and said the district has applied for funding with Buffalo Niagara Water Keeper to enhance a trail along Campbell Creek. He also said a final draft of an electric-bus feasibility study prepared with NYPA and National Grid is expected in about a month and that staff will present the findings to the board.

The superintendent credited the district's community-education program for growing participation over the summer and noted it is now self-sustaining through parent fees and occasional grants. He also recognized the retirement of Allison (custodial staff), saying her last day would be Friday and the district expressed appreciation for her years of service.

The board congratulated new hires and thanked retiring staff for their service. No board vote was recorded on the superintendent's informational updates; the policy adoption and personnel motions were formal actions recorded in the meeting minutes.