Another school year has come and gone and, as Superintendent Tim Oldenburg said at the June 20 Board of Education meeting, there is a lot to be grateful for. The meeting recognized a number of students and staff and a board member who is stepping down.
SPECIAL OLYMPIANS
The Board recognized the following students who participated in the Erie County Track and Field Special Olympics: Aidan Bailey-Priest, Gianna Buck, Emily Davis, Joanina Eisenman, Caitlin Greenawalt, Preston Miller, Alex Paccito, Antonio Paccito, Dominic Paccito, Evan Scott, Sebastian Shepler, Dominic Simeone, Elle Sprague, Lukas Stelter, Casey Symes, Jayson Vision and Victoria Walczak. Those in attendance also received a commemorative patch with the Special Olympics athlete oath, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
BOARD MEMBER’S DEDICATED SERVICE
The Board recognized Trustee Elizabeth Koch for her dedication and service to the Tonawanda City community and students the past seven years. Trustee Heather Sternin additionally thanked Koch for continuing a legacy of community service and giving unselfishly of her time and energy.
DISTRICT RETIREES
The Board recognized the following district employees who retired in 2022-2023: Melissa Kossow, Clerk Typist; Rosemary Gresock, 1st Grade; Jackie Stoj, 6th Grade; Pat Bachman, LMC Teacher Assistant; Douglas Peita, School Psychologist; Melissa Wadsworth-Miller, English; Amy Squires, Special Ed; Deborah Hill, 6th Grade; and Ron Sesnie, HS Science.
EDUCATIONAL AWARDS
Lyndsey Todaro was recognized as the Middle/High School Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) Region 12. Nicole Vicki received the Western New York Education Service Council Award of Excellence. Lisa Maher was named Tonawanda Outstanding Educator of the Year by the Tonawanda Education Association.
APPOINTMENTS
The Board welcomed Jared Northrup as Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health, effective July 1, and John Wille as Director of Facilities and Operations, effective July 24. The Board also thanked Middle School student Paige Benn for her service as Student Representative on the Board this past year.
