Forestville introduces new teacher hires | News, Sports, Jobs

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Pictured are Forestville’s two newest teachers, Luke DiFato, a High School Science Teacher, left, and Savanah Clear, an Elementary Special Education Teacher, right.

FORESTVILLE — Elementary Principal Shauna McMahon was “so happy” to introduce the newest hire at Forestville Elementary School during a recent Board of Education meeting that she playfully stole the floor from Middle/High School Principal Dan Grande.

McMahon then gave the spotlight to Savanah Clear, the district’s newest Special Education Teacher. Clear previously conducted early fieldwork experience and student teaching at Forestville.

“We’re just so thrilled to have her. She’s a nice light in our school and already is such a part of the Elementary community,” McMahon said.

Clear holds initial certifications in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6). Clear’s four-year probationary appointment concludes Sept. 2, 2029, at which time she could become eligible to receive tenured status with the district. Clear will earn a salary of $43,324 in 2025-2026, recognizing 15 graduate hours.

Clear is the newest teacher to join the district, but she is not alone. Over the summer, Luke DiFato was hired as the newest Science Teacher at Forestville Middle/High School.

DiFato began his four-year probationary appointment on Aug. 27. For the 2025-2026 school year, his salary is $45,193. DiFato holds an initial certification in Chemistry and Physics for Grades 7-12. He has already taken on Advanced Placement Physics courses at Forestville.

Grande introduced DiFato as “a self-proclaimed science nerd.” DiFato proved Grande’s statement as he excitedly explained a lesson he taught the students already this year to the Board.

“We are thrilled to have him. He breathes such fresh life into the science program,” Grande said.

Other recent hires before school began include Sarah Pearson, Chorus Teacher, and Elizabeth Barter, School Librarian.

Additionally, Kaitlyn Alguire was appointed to a Floater Monitor Aide position for seven hours per day through the 2025-2026 school year. Alguire’s probationary period of employment will be for 120 work days, beginning Sept. 2.

Alicia Schroeder was approved as a Certified Substitute Teacher. Uncertified Substitute Teachers and Floater Monitor Aides include Lili Botticelli, Nicollette Brisley, Chase Dakin, and Adrienne Grubb. First-year teacher mentors for the 2025-2026 school year include Lisa Brewster, Jay Hagen, Jon LeBaron, and Kelly Raichel.

The Board accepted resignations from Stephanie Accardo-Sanchez, Special Education Teacher; Elizabeth Smith, Floater Monitor Aide; and Stephen Waugh, Bus Driver, for purpose of retirement, effective Oct. 1.

The Board authorized Superintendent Dr. John O’Connor to enter into an agreement with Children’s Educational Service Inc., for school-based therapy services in the amount of $11,340 for the 2025-2026 school year. A Memorandum of Agreement with the Forestville Administrators’ Association regarding the district’s Director of Special Education and additional psychology-related duties was approved by the Board, as well. Two bids regarding vehicles declared as surplus were also accepted by the Board.

Grande reported the new cell phone ban this year has gone over as well as the District could have hoped. “We’ve had no issues,” Grande said. “It’s been very good.”

Student Board Representative Sophia Stewart provided the perspective of her fellow students regarding the cell phone ban.

“I feel like we’ve all collectively agreed that it really isn’t as bad as we had thought it would be,” Stewart said.

Stewart joked that in study halls and down time that “it can get a little boring” without access to a cell phone, but the benefits to the ban are evident. Stewart said not having access to a cell phone keeps her on track more and encourages more peer socialization.

The next meeting of the Forestville Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Middle/High School Library.