OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Superintendent Dra. Katie Ralston celebrated two new teacher hires at her first meeting as Silver Creek Superintendent.
SILVER CREEK – Silver Creek’s new superintendent, Dr. Katie Ralston, was all smiles during her first meeting with the Board of Education with positive news to share.
At the meeting, Ralston gave updates on several ongoing projects in the district. Ralston said of the district’s capital project to implement a new track and field,
“The track is on pace. Looks like it’s going to finish on time.”
Additionally, Ralston shared that the district reached an agreement with the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Health to provide an office at Silver Creek Central School for students and families in the district. The agreement comes at no cost to the district.
Ralston also celebrated when two teachers were added to their new school family. Allison Smith, Seneca Language and Culture teacher, and Christopher Smerka, Social Studies teacher, were approved for probationary teaching positions by the Board of Education.
Smerka, who attended the meeting, comes to the district with 17 years of district-recognized experience. He will begin his tenure at Silver Creek in high school.
“It’s great to be here. I look forward to working with all the students in the district and their parents, just making their education a priority.” said Smerka.
The district also accepted the resignation of three elementary teachers: Amanda Blette, Kristen Kline and Shannon Matson.
Ralston noted his first week in the district “it’s been wonderful.” He credited district secretary Emily Cole for providing assistance during his transition.
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