At their regular meeting this month, Westfield Academy and Central School Board of Education members learned that six WACS staff members are recipients of this year’s Accolade Awards.

District Superintendent Shelly O’Boyle announced that two secretaries, Shannon Baun and Lindsey Eggleston; two school psychologists, Ashley Raynor and Kris Soderberg; and two social workers, Stacey Asel and DeAnn Shelters, were chosen for the awards.

O’Boyle extolled each recipient. “Our secretaries are truly the backbone of our school. They are the first point of contact, the organizers, the problem solvers and, often, the calm and reassuring presence that keeps everything running smoothly,” she said.

“Our school psychologists play a critical role in fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment,” O’Boyle said. “They are essential in supporting the mental health and well-being of our students, offering guidance, assessments and interventions that help children thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”

O’Boyle referred to the social workers as “champions for our students and their families., tirelessly working to connect them with essential resources and to overcome challenges that might impact their success in school. They build bridges between home, school and community, addressing complex issues with empathy and dedication.”

O’Boyle also addressed the board regarding the grades six to 12 principal’s position, which will be left vacant by the resignation of Corey Markham. “Our school is too large to have one principal for pre-K through 12 at this time or to split duties between the two remaining administrators,” she said. “I will ask the board to approve the appointment of Ivana Hite as the interim six to 12 principal from July 1, to Aug. 31, 2025.

Board members subsequently approved the appointment.

In his report Secondary Principal Markham updated the board on smartphones and other internet-enabled devices. The state mandate requires that all districts develop a plan to implement the ban on smart devices in school.

Markham described the district’s progress on creating a plan for smart phones and devices. “I asked team leaders to review a proposed plan. Now we are seeking feedback from students,” he said. “Based on all that, we will be updating the student handbook, so everyone knows the parameters when the new school year starts.”

Elementary Principal Molly Anderson updated board members on many student activities, including Girls on the Run, awards that students received at STEM Wars in Jamestown, participation in the elementary choir at the Chautauqua Institution and visits to the Chautauqua Safety Village. “The things kids learn at the Safety Village truly can save their lives,” said board member Tom Tarpley.

Anderson also talked about students’ participation in the Special Olympics. “We sent 13 elementary students to the Special Olympics at Strider Field in Jamestown last Tuesday,” she said. “Our student athletes had a great day of competition and were welcomed back with an elementary clap-in.”

Board member Phyllis Hagen said she attended this year’s Special Olympics. “I took the opportunity to go to the Special Olympics and the kids were so well behaved,” she said. “They were amazing!”

Anderson also gave an update on summer school. “We will run six elementary summer classrooms for our 30-day summer program, she said. “At this time there are 45 elementary students, prek-5th grade, invited to attend.”

Director of Special Education Lauren Harper gave board members an update on state testing, summer professional development and meetings about regionalization.

Harper also said that state Education Department released 8 numeracy briefs that highlight evidence based best practices of effective instruction in mathematics. “The focus will be on key ideas and myths, high-leverage content and practices, evidence-based instructional practices, and leading for mathematics proficiency,” she said.

In new business, the board accepted the donation of $4,402.95 from the Westfield Sideliners to support the purchase of basketball equipment and approved a resolution regarding the district’s participation in the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC).

In matters of personnel, the board approved the permanent appointment of Mary Kern as Part-time School Nurse, effective Feb. 18, and the appointment of Andrea Spengler as Physical Therapist for the 2025-26 School Year at .80 FTE, effective Aug, 27.

Board members further approved Michael Putney as a Teacher on Special Assignment Technology Integrator for the 2025-26 school year, effective July 1, 2025.

Following clarification by board member Tom Tarpley and Superintendent O’Boyle, the board approved a resolution to abolish two elementary teaching positions, effective June 30, 2025.

“These positions have been reduced by resignations and this will have no impact on the students,” Tarpley said. “They were not two new positions; they are positions that have been taken out of the budget,” O’Boyle added.