December 1, 2021 | observertoday.com
Ja:goh and welcome back Barbara Weston (Cattaraugus Territory, Turtle clan).
GOWANDA — For the third time in four meetings, the Gowanda school board welcomes a new member. Early in October, they welcomed John Waterman, then saw Michele Jackson join as a student board member later in the month, and at their last meeting, Board Member Jim Hotnich resigned due to health reasons. To replace Hotnich, the School Board welcomed a new member, but a familiar face.
Barb Weston was sworn in on Monday, during Gowanda’s rescheduled meeting. Weston previously won a Gowanda School Board seat in 2017, and was given a strong welcome back from the rest of the School Board.
“I won a seat on the School Board in May 2017 for my first 3 year term. I learned it is truly a thankless but rewarding position. I have worked with two Superintendents as well as a few other new administrators. I was on the board when the current capital project was passed. Then in September, I submitted a letter of interest to fill a vacancy but was not voted in. When the newest vacancy opened in mid November, the board reached out and asked me if I would be willing to take the position. I wholeheartedly agreed because I have seen first hand the good things that can happen from being a community and district volunteer. During my first 3 year term I saw the good and the bad and have faith that more good can come from this current board. I look forward to working with the current board members.” -Barb Weston
Barb is a 1988 GCS graduate, she was elected in 2017 for her first term on the Board of Education. She is currently the Assistant Director for Life Long Learning as part of the Seneca Nation Education Department.
