The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education approved the hiring of four certified teachers and three non-certified staff members for the upcoming school year during its meeting on July 9.

The board unanimously approved the appointments following a closed session. Two of the new hires were introduced to the board by a junior high administrator. Brandon Egan, who has coaching experience at Lincoln-Way High School, will join Manhattan Junior High as a physical education and health teacher. Heather O’Filia is returning to the profession to teach eighth-grade social studies at the junior high.

“We’re excited to both hopefully have them on board and the work that they’re going to be doing,” the administrator said.

Other certified staff hired include Jennifer Ferruzzi as a third-grade special education resource teacher and Anna Mack.

The board also approved the employment of three non-certified staff members. Ibram Mahmood was hired as a technology assistant, while Payton McWilliams will be an early childhood instructional assistant at Wilson Creek School. Cameron Hagen will join Wilson Creek as an instructional assistant.

In separate action, the board accepted the resignations of three staff members: Maryann Gross, an early childhood instructional assistant at Wilson Creek; Amanda Anis, a second-grade teacher; and Amanda Japorta, a paraprofessional at Wilson Creek.

The motions for all hirings and resignations were approved unanimously by the board.