Fredonia approves tenure for alumna Polhamus
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Another leader in the Fredonia Central School District has recently been approved to call Fredonia their permanent home, and it's someone who has already called Fredonia home for a long time.
Jamie Polhamus, Assistant Principal of Fredonia Middle School, was recently approved for a tenured position, effective Sept. 1.
"It's been my pleasure to work with Jamie for the past two-and-a-half years. I'm pleased and proud to recommend her for tenure," Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said. Zilliox took over as Superintendent two-and-a-half years ago, and recommended Polhamus for tenure to the Board of Education.
Polhamus, a Fredonia High School graduate, spoke to the importance of working in the community she calls home.
"I am grateful to be back in my hometown. I love that I am in the buildings with my own family members even at times," Polhamus said.
Board of Education President Brian Aldrich, who highlighted that Polhamus graduated from Fredonia High School, said, "I don't mean that very slightly when I say that you're a Fredonia High alumna. I think there's something about coming back to your own school that you take pride in."
Board of Education member Lisa Powell Fortna was on the hiring committee at the time of Polhamus' probationary appointment as Assistant Principal. She called Polhamus "an impressive and obvious choice for us."
Zilliox highlighted Polhamus' ability to create "a positive relationship" between herself and Middle School Principal Paula Troutman. He also highlighted Polhamus' efforts to evaluate student progress with iReady and through testing methods, as well as her leadership with the district's new employee orientation programs, and her efforts facilitating a translation service through the International Institute of Buffalo for families who are not English first language speakers.
"She is one of the kindest people you will ever find. She treats everyone that way, and people love to be around her," said Troutman. "... She is extremely student-friendly. It's all about the kids for her – and that's what we all want."
Zilliox called Polhamus "absolutely somebody who models" the district's core beliefs.
"I am fortunate to be a part of our administrative team. They are a tight-knit, great group that I just enjoy (working with) personally," Polhamus said. "I am very grateful to be a part of that, and I'm looking forward to many more years here."