OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen
Three members of the Silver Creek Central School District were officially appointed to their new roles for the upcoming year at a recent meeting. From left to right: Amanda Austin, Native American Education Program Coordinator; Dr. Katie Ralston, Superintendent; Amanda Duckett, Special Education Teacher; and Samantha Scanlan, My Brother’s Keeper Mentor/Family Liaison.

SILVER CREEK — The Silver Creek Central School District has found its next leader in representing Native American students within its District programming, and it did not have to look far.

Amanda Austin was appointed as the District’s Native American Education Program Coordinator at a recent meeting of the Silver Creek Board of Education. Austin stepped away from her role as a Silver Creek Elementary Teacher to officially transition to the new leadership role.

“This new position aligns closely with my passion for promoting and supporting Native American education and culture, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute in this new capacity,” Austin wrote in her letter of resignation from her role of Elementary Teacher.

Austin replaces Mary Williams, who resigned from the role in June. The role of Native American Education Program Coordinator was established as a full-time position last school year. In the role, Williams was responsible for writing and implementing the District’s Title VI grant; was the facilitator of the Title VI Parent Committee; and led the implementation of the District’s Indigenous Honor Society.

Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston stated the position was increased to a full-time role in the District to “build the program and the connections that we know that we need.” She committed to keeping the position full-time, while targeting the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year for the role to be filled. Austin’s appointment met that goal.

“Thank you for the opportunity,” Austin said to the Board of Education. “I’m really, really excited for what we’re going to do this year, what we’re going to see, and how we’re going to work together.”

The District also took another step in addressing its Native American education needs with the appointment of Samantha Scanlan as My Brother’s Keeper Mentor and Family Liaison. The position was vacant throughout last school year, but during the interview process this summer, Ralston felt, “This is who we needed in this position.”

Scanlan has deep ties to the community, as her brother, Zed Williams, previously held the role of Mentor. A Silver Creek graduate, Zed Williams is now one of the world’s elite lacrosse stars. Scanlan said her brother had nothing but good things to say about Silver Creek, and she is excited to take on the role for herself.

The District also added another member to the Black Knight family, as Amanda Duckett was appointed as the District’s newest Special Education Teacher. Duckett holds Professional Certification in Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6 and Childhood Education Grades 1-6. Duckett brings 10 years of experience in the field from another district with her to Silver Creek, which is reflected in her salary for the 2024-2025 school year. Duckett told the Board of Education that she is “excited to be here and continue my teaching journey.”