Grand Island Board of Education holds annual reorganization meeting

By Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

In its reorganization meeting held on July 10, the Grand Island Board of Education elected Ashli Dreher to serve as president, and Sue Marston to serve as vice president. Both are continuing their roles from the prior school year.

In other news the Grand Island Board of Education:

•Congratulated the students participating in KidBiz, run by the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. “It was a fantastic event,” Superintendent Brian Graham said.

•Congratulated Isabelle Hezdek for being chosen for the All-WNY large schools softball first team, and Lily Koslowski for being chosen for the All-WNY and all-conference first girls lacrosse team. Both students recently graduated from Grand Island High School.

•Thanked local civic organizations for the total of $115,000 in local scholarship funds that were awarded to graduating seniors.

•Stated the Grand Island School and Business Association Golf Outing is scheduled for July 17. Among the available prizes is access to a Buffalo Bills suite, courtesy of Toshiba; a chainsaw, donated by Marston Power Equipment; a Tiki boat tour, provided by the Graham family; and a large television, donated by Eric Fiebelkorn, Graham said.

•Announced the Grand Island School District is looking for people to apply for jobs as bus drivers. Flyers advertising the jobs were distributed at the Independence Day parade.

•Announced the pay rate for substitute teachers has gone up. For uncertified teachers, the daily rate will go up from $100 to $115, with the hourly rate being $16.43. For certified teachers, the daily rate will go up from $120 to $125, with the hourly rate being $19.28. For building-based subs, the daily rate will go up from $125 to $140, with an hourly rate of $20. For retired teachers, the daily rate will go up from $140 to $150, with an hourly rate of $21.43.

•Announced 318 students are participating in summer school, and 309 students are participating in community education. The largest group of students enrolled in community education is participating in sports camp, Graham said.

•Announced the vote on the 2024-25 school budget will be held May 21, 2024.