OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Elementary Principal Mark Drollinger is pictured after being sprayed with silly string at an assembly this past spring to celebrate Fredonia’s results from a read-a-thon event, in which students read over 1,000 hours from March 13 to 24. Drollinger was recently granted tenure after completing his probationary period as a district administrator.

Although his latest grin could not compare to the one he hid behind a web of silly string at an assembly to celebrate Fredonia students earlier this year, Mark Drollinger recently had another reason to smile as the district’s Elementary School Principal.

Drollinger was recently approved for his role at the district to become a tenured position.

“Mr. Drollinger has earned tenure with the district for his hard work and dedication. He has used his work ethic, positive demeanor, and good nature to maintain focus on our students and their needs,” Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said.

Zilliox described Drollinger as “a positive and enthusiastic administrator.” He highlighted that over his time with the district, Drollinger has implemented the iReady learning platform to improve targeting instruction for students, as well as transitioning to Envision Math to align curriculum across the elementary school, and helped bring teachers together to settle on Mystery Science as a tool to engage students in the content area. Zilliox said Drollinger has also served as a facilitator and participant in various team meetings throughout the years and has often utilized video technology to connect with students and parents.

=”Mr. Drollinger has been reflective throughout his time with the district and has continued on his journey of growth as an individual, as well as his role on the overall administrative/leadership team,” Zilliox said. “This reflective attitude directly supports our mission as a district to become our greatest selves.”

Also of note within the district, the Board of Education recently approved the hiring of Heidi Bates as a Special Education Teacher. Bates holds Professional Certifications in Students with Disabilities B-2, Students with Disabilities 1-6, Childhood Education (1-6), and Early Childhood Education B-2. She will be eligible for tenure after the conclusion of her probationary appointment, tentatively scheduled for expiration on Aug. 29, 2027.

Also among the recent hires announced by the district includes Stacy Levulis as School Secretary; Daniel Korzenski as Building Maintenance Mechanic II; Hannah Riewaldt as a Teacher Aide; Anda Barreto as a Teacher Aide; Theresa Priolette as a Teacher Aide; Samantha Heitz as a Teaching Assistant; Shawna Szukala as a Teaching Assistant; and Ty VanWie as a Cleaner. Cheryl Tabone was appointed as the new Fredonia varsity girls soccer coach.