High School Principal Dr. Robert Anderson outlined to the Gowanda Central School Board of Education his plans for what he called a Freshman Academy in the coming school year.

     As it was explained, it will effectively form a high school of freshmen only within the high school. It will delegate certain teachers, who will teach classes of only ninth-graders, and, although teaching different subjects, they will be able to integrate their presentations to work together. It is felt that this approach will ease the students into the high school environment, which has been known historically as a difficult year of transition.

     Anderson introduced studies citing that smaller learning environments can be advantageous to boosting student achievement. Also, students in smaller schools are less likely to drop out, more likely to attend school, and participate in school activities.

     Elementary Principal Janice Stokes urged any new residents who expect to have children in school this fall to please get them registered. In other matters, the board:

   •  Agreed to schedule the Sept. 3 regular meeting to start at 7:30 p.m., thus allowing more time for the annual tour of buildings.

   •  Approved the additional parent member to the committee on special education.

   •  Approved the annual 10-month salaries for Title VII employees for the 2008-09 school year as follows: Sandra Tomczak, home-school coordinator - $25,844; Arlette Giofreda, home-school coordinator - $17,431; and Barbara Jimerson, program director - $31,200.

   •  Declared as surplus the following vehicles: bus #107, 1997 Ford; and bus #109, a 1998 Freighthner, effective Aug.1; and bus #111, a 2000 Freightliner, effective July 23.

   •  Agreed to write off $11,652 in uncollected general fund revenue, due to a rental adjustment on the Center Street School.

   •  Accepted the resignation of Francine Needham, Spanish/computer teacher, effective July 29.

   •  Appointed Sheila Graham as foreign language teacher, probationary period to be from Sept. 1, 2008 to Sept. 1, 2011. Although beginning Sept. 1, she will be, for payroll purposes, eligible for staff development opportunities as of Aug. 7.

   •  Appointed Thomas Lerew as music teacher, with probationary period from Sept. 1, 2008 to Sept. 1, 2011, also for payroll purposes, he will be eligible for staff development opportunities as of Aug. 7.

   •  Appointed Christina Shull as substitute teacher, effective Aug. 7. Appointed Ryan DeSantis special education teacher, with probation from Sept. 1, 2008 to Sept. 1, 2011 , and, for payroll purposes, he will be eligible for staff development opportunities as of Aug. 7.

   •  Appointed Dan and Amy Cassidy as co-athletic directors for the 2008-09 school year.

   •  Appointed Erin Browning on probation as teaching assistant. Probation will be from Sept. 1, 2008 to Sept. 1, 2011, and, for payroll purposes, will be eligible for staff development opportunities.

   •  Appointed John F. Craig as long-term substitute occupational therapist at the current contract rate with no additional benefits, effective Sept. 1.

   •  Accepted the resignation of Susan Rebmann as senior typist, high school student accounts treasurer, and high school petty cash controller, effective July 14.

   •  Appointed Jeffrey Enser as substitute bus driver, effective Aug. 7.

     The next regular meeting of the Gowanda Central School BOE will be held on Wednesday Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in the middle school library.