Board appoints Stan Wooten superintendent; members congratulate appointee

The Niagara Falls City School District board on Jan. 22 voted to appoint Stan Wooten as the district’s next superintendent, effective July 1. The appointment was part of the certificated personnel report brought to the board for a roll-call vote.

Board members praised Wooten’s record and the search process before casting their votes. During the meeting several trustees spoke in support, calling the search ‘‘a wonderful process’’ and expressing confidence that Wooten’s local ties and experience will help the district. Wooten, a lifelong resident and district graduate, said he is ‘‘honored by the board of education’s trust’’ and pledged to prioritize student well-being, academic achievement and equitable supports.

A board member noted a recusal earlier in the superintendent-selection process; the transcript records members’ statements of support and multiple affirmative roll-call responses. The board did not provide the full roll-call tally in a single consolidated list in the public remarks recorded in the transcript, but multiple named trustees publicly expressed a ‘‘yes’’ vote during roll call.

What happens next: Wooten will assume the role on July 1; the board and incoming superintendent said they will begin assembling an administrative team and continue district priorities presented by the outgoing superintendent.

Provenance: Discussion, congratulations and roll-call voting on the appointment appear in the public meeting transcript.