Board welcomes new principals and teachers, approves multiple personnel hires

The Anthony Board of Education heard introductions of new certified staff and administrators and approved personnel recommendations at its Aug. 7 meeting. The district introduced new hires including a new high school principal, John Burke, an assistant principal Leigh Pancoast at Fallen Timbers, and multiple classroom teachers and intervention specialists across the district. At the meeting, Director of Human Resources Brad Contat (introduced by the superintendent) presented new certified staff members by school and role. New hires named in the meeting include Jessica Gast (intervention specialist, Waterville), Kay Ann Batanian (6th-grade science and social studies, Fallen Timbers), Leigh Pancoast (assistant principal, Fallen Timbers), Tom Bursin (PE and health, junior high), Emily Guywitz (8th-grade science, junior high) and Megan Rowan (intervention specialist, high school). The superintendent also introduced John Burke as the new high school principal and noted a coffee chat earlier that day. Why it matters: Approving certified staff, substitutes and limited supplemental contracts is standard pre-school-year business that determines classroom assignments and supports athletic and extracurricular programs. The treasurer and HR director reported the district has filled most open positions but continues to recruit custodial staff and substitutes. Supporting details: The personnel consent agenda included two bus-driver resignations, multiple new hires for special-education aides, bus aides, cafeteria and playground aides, substitute staff (about 107 returning substitutes noted by HR), and a limited supplemental assistant boys’ basketball hire for Kevin Gaskins at 66% time. The board also approved volunteers and background-checked band truck drivers. Limits and process: The board approved the personnel recommendations as presented in the consent agenda. No contested personnel actions were recorded in the public minutes provided in the transcript. Next steps: District staff will finalize start-of-year assignments, complete background checks for volunteers who will drive band equipment, and continue recruiting for any remaining custodial openings.