2025 School year opens with inspirational messages, renovations nearly complete
The Akron Central School year began last week with inspirational messages for students and staff. Board of Education President Erik Polkowski delivered “an inspiring Opening Address that perfectly set the tone for our year ahead, focused on leadership and the dreams of our students,” Superintendent of Schools Andrea Kersten Taylor told Board of Education members at their meeting on September 3. Noting what she described as a Historic Milestone Kersten said. “We celebrated Mary Borden’s remarkable 50th first day of school, with her family joining us for this incredible achievement. Continuing Excellence Mary becomes our second teacher in two years to reach this milestone, following Mrs. Best’s 50th celebration last year.” Akron High School is celebrating its 100th year.
Nationally Recognized Expert Duncan Kirkwood, author of “Rerouting: Resilience Tools and Tactics”, delivered powerful insights on resilience and self-care to the Akron staff. He is Master Resilience Trainer, Alabama Army National Guard Director, Center for Resiliency at Villa Maria College and focused on prioritizing well-being to better support students
“Student Opening Activities Smooth Opening Day Students began the year with positive energy throughout all grade levels. Kindergarten Orientation Our youngest learners and families experienced a welcoming introduction to the Akron Central community. PreK Orientation Pre-kindergarten students joined our district family with excitement and careful preparation. Student Assembly Middle and High School students heard Duncan Kirkwood’s inspiring message about resilience and growth.
Akron High School students serving as ex officio Board of Education members, Audrey Garverick, Alexander Parisi, and Austin Vanderbosch noted that Kirkwood’s message kept students focused and engaged. “Best presentation we have had by far,” Audrey said. “I loved how he showed that losses can be a new beginning,” Austin said.
Taylor reported that the High School H-Wing Near Completion Major renovations are nearly finished including new ceilings, walls, floors, and digital wall graphics installed, and thanked the community, especially the Newstead Historical Society for all the time they gave in helping select photos for the history wall. Interactive panels, touch screens yearbooks, benches and two illuminated signs are forthcoming.
High School basement tech shops received new epoxy floors with LVT flooring in corridors. The Elementary Gym, Gym 2, and Gym 3 were refinished with new wall pads and equipment.
Elementary bathrooms and custodial areas upgraded. Infrastructure Systems MS boilers, Kitchen MAUs, and a PoolPak unit installed. New PA system is functional district-wide. The new system will be cut in following some training and testing.
Progress is nearly complete at the Bus Garage. Interior finishes are nearing completion with epoxy and carpet flooring, paint, ceiling, and casework installation. The elevator is installed, awaiting inspection. Windows and curtain walls are complete. Asphalt installation and stripping of parking lot are scheduled for completion. Temporary enclosures are where needed. District move-in scheduled for September 15, 2025
At the new Athletic Complex infrastructure development is underway with site fencing and stormwater controls successfully installed. Site grading, drainage piping, and electrical layout currently underway. Sports Lighting was installed ahead of schedule. Deepest cut that needs to take place in foundation work is planned this week.
The project is in a strong financial position with $1.27M Construction Contingency remaining funds available for project flexibility and unforeseen needs. $1.37M Unallocated Funds additional construction dollars available for strategic investments. “All construction projects remain on budget, demonstrating excellent fiscal stewardship and project management,” Taylor noted.
Tayler thanked board members, staff, and community for continued support of Akron students and facilities.
Board action items
Board of Education members approved: The MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between the Akron Central Schools and the Akron Faculty Association regarding a School Based Enterprise advisor stipend.
The approvedEmployment Agreement between the Akron Central School District and Donna Ciurzynski for up to 200 hours between September 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, as Account Clerk Typist- Benefits (Confidential) Part time Substitute and authorized the Superintendent of Schools to execute the Employment Agreement between Mrs. Ciurzynski and the District.
Board members accepted the letter of resignation from Michelle Rorick, from her Confidential Benefit Clerk position, effective August 28, 2025; the letter of resignation from Sidney Moreton, from her teacher aide position, effective August 18, 2025, and the letter of resignation from Collin Frey, from his JV Head Football Coach position, effective for the 2025-2026 season.
They approved the leave of absence request from Special Education Teacher Jennifer Klodzinski, effective August 27, 2025 with an anticipated return date of October 1, 2025 or until cleared by her physician to return to work; the leave of absence request from Middle School Special Education/Literacy Teacher, effective on or about November 26, 2025 with an anticipated return date of the start of the 2026-27 school year; the leave of absence request from bus driver Angel Stuber, effective August 18, 2025 and to continue until cleared by her physician to return to work.
Susan Brewer was appointed as Central/Activities Treasurer for the 2025-2026 school year, effective August 29, 2025.
Approve the permanent appointment of Jason Amirian- Laborer, effective August 24, 2025, after successfully completing the twenty-six week Civil Service probationary period:
One .5 part-time Laborer position was abolished effective September 2, 2025.
The Board amended the appointment resolution of Jason Amirian, dated February 13, 2025, to read: increase Jason Amirian from 10-month, part-time laborer to 12-month, full-time laborer effective September 2, 2025. Jason’s hourly rate of pay will remain the same.
A full-time cleaner position was abolished effective September 2, 2025 and a full-time twelve month laborer position (to be posted) as created.
Kylie Velletta was appointed to a full-time, ten-month, twenty-six week Civil Service probationary teacher aide position, effective August 27, 2025, replacing Holly Ford.
Gretchen Allesandro was appointed to a full-time, ten-month, twenty-six week Civil Service probationary teacher aide position, effective August 27, 2025, replacing Elizabeth Fix.
Ilynn Jensen was appointed to a part-time, ten-month, twenty-six week Civil Service probationary School bus driver position, effective September 2, 2025, replacing Kimberly White.
Enid Guadalupe was appointed to a part-time, ten-month, twenty-six week Civil Service probationary food service helper position, effective September 2, 2025, replacing Danielle Schmidt.
Melissa Mongiovi was appointed as an Instructional Coach in the areas of Childhood Education (1-6), Students with Disabilities (1-6), Social Studies (7-12) and Students with Disabilities Generalist (7-12) for the 2025-2026 school year:
Emilie Vieaux was appointed to a full-time, long-term substitute Elementary Teacher position. This long-term substitute service is effective August 27, 2025 through February 23 2026 or until Mrs. Jackson returns, replacing Cailin Jackson.
Kimberly Chatt was appointed as a full-time, short-term substitute 2nd grade Special Education Teacher effective August 27, 2025 through September 30, 2025, replacing Jennifer Klodzinski.
Kathy Chubb was appointed as a full-time, short-term substitute 1st grade Elementary Teacher effective August 27, 2025 for twelve weeks, replacing Hailey Junke.
Lisa Bates (Retired Teacher), Megan Kress, and Jamie Winger were approved as instructional substitutes for the 2025-2026 school year:
Hours for the transportation department for the 2025-2026 school year were approved.
Approved as non-instructional substitutes for the 2025-26 school year were Kevin Dolan, Janet Glomb-Shelley, Elizabeth Miller, and Nicholas Roberto as Bus Attendant Substitutes. Elizabeth Graney, Cassandra Schroeder were approved as Teacher Aide Substitutes. Lynn Owen and Brenda Schultz were approved as Clerical Substitutes; Elizabeth Fix and Nicole Blasko as Nurse Substitutes; Logan Polkowski and Autumn Hall as Lifeguard/Monitor Substitutes; Kathleen Martin, Karen Reigle-Scheitheir, and Wendy Baumler as Food Service Substitutes; and Kimberly Bruning as Teacher Aide/Clerical/Bus Attendant Substitute.
Extra-curricular appointments for 2025-2026 included: Daric Brege- Midds School Computer Club Advisor and Megan Kiss- August 2025 Regents Scorer
Extra curricular appointments for the 2025-2026 year were amended: Brendan Bardo- E-Sports Advisor (33.33% up to 140 hours combined between co-advisors); Laura Penn- E-Sports Advisor (33.33% up to 140 hours combined between co-advisors); James Ritchie- E-Sports Advisor (33.33% up to 140 hours combined between co-advisors)
James Holtz was appointed Football Varsity – Asst #3, Dave Mietz, Football JV Coach #1, Colin Fry Football Varsity Asst #2, and Nancy Bennett Cross Country Varsity Boys Coach for the 2025-2026 school year:
Mary Borden, John Chubb, Justin Gerstung, Tom James, and Dale Jonathan were appointed Scorekeeper; Mary Borden, Justin Gerstung, and Rober Meek Clock Operator, Diane Ernst and Justi Gerstung Ticket Seller; and Justin Gerstung Announcer.
Clint Stanfield- JV Football and Joseph Cena- Announcer were approved as volunteers.
The Board of Education authorized the Superintendent of Schools to execute a change order request in the amount of $62,000.00 for Middle School Window Shades Replacement.
Approved the contract between the Akron Central School District and Municipal Solutions for continuing disclosure requirements.
Approved the 2025-2026 non-public school transportation requests as list submitted, to the following schools: St. John the Baptist School/Sandridge Road, Alden and Nativity of Mary School/Main Street, Williamsville
Approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Akron Central School District and Oakfield-Alabama School District for education of special education students in the OA Elementary School 6:1:1 classroom for the 25-26 school year and authorized and direct the Superintendent of Schools to execute on behalf of the District.
Approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Akron Central School District and Oakfield-Alabama School District for education of special education students in the OA Elementary School 12:1:1 classroom for the 25-26 school year and authorized and direct the Superintendent of Schools to execute on behalf of the District.
Claudi Best was approved as a district volunteer:
The Board amended the Adult School Lunch Prices for the 2025-2026 school year that were approved at the July 9, 2025 re-organizational meeting to the following:
Adult Breakfast – $3.50 + tax and Adult Lunch – $5.25 + tax
The Board approved the agreements between the Akron Central School District and The Arc of Erie County, Aspire of WNY, Learning Disabilities Assoc. of WNY, Bornhava, Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center, Liberty Resources, Niagara Co. Dept. of Health, for special education service and authorized the Superintendent of Schools to execute on behalf of the District.