‘Profound loss’: Administrators, board remember principal
OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Fredonia Board of Education President Brian Aldrich, left, and Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox, right, listen as colleagues recall fond memories of Paula Troutman, the district’s middle school principal who died Jan. 1.
Paula Troutman’s regular seat at Fredonia Board of Education meetings was left empty at the Board’s first meeting since her untimely death Jan. 1.
OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Fredonia Board of Education President Brian Aldrich, left, and Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox, right, listen as colleagues recall fond memories of Paula Troutman, the district’s middle school principal who died Jan. 1.
Paula Troutman’s regular seat at Fredonia Board of Education meetings was left empty at the Board’s first meeting since her untimely death Jan. 1.
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A seat was left vacant at a recent Fredonia Board of Education meeting. It was the chair of Paula Troutman, the district's middle school principal, who died unexpectedly, on Jan. 1, at the age of 60.
The meeting began with a moment of silence in Troutman's honor, led by Board of Education President Brian Aldrich. He said, "As you are most likely aware, our district is extremely saddened by the unexpected passing of Mrs. Paula Troutman, our middle school principal, on Jan. 1. Our sincere and continued condolences and thoughts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Paula."
Aldrich continued, "Tonight, we have purposely left Paula's usual seat around the board table open, with her name plate, as a sign of respect for her and all the outstanding work she provided the district. We also want it to serve as a sign that she will always be part of our district and hold a special place in our hearts. We hope to honor her memory by continuing to make great strides for our students, faculty, staff and community in the future."
Following the moment of silence, Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox spoke to Troutman's lasting impact on the district. He said, "Mrs. Paula Troutman was a true professional who brought a high level of passion, enthusiasm, caring and expertise to the outstanding leadership she provided to our district."
Troutman began her career in education as a science teacher at her hometown school, Pine Valley Central School. She then transitioned to administration, where she worked at Fredonia in a previous stint, as well as the Lake Shore, Silver Creek and Gowanda school districts. She returned to Fredonia in 2018.
"As principal, Paula created a culture of learning, teamwork, innovation and fun that makes our middle school a great place for students and staff," Zilliox said.
One of Troutman's close colleagues, High School Principal Darrin Paschke, followed Zilliox with a statement of his own on behalf of the district's administrators to honor Troutman.
"Our school, our community, our family suffered a profound loss with the passing of our friend and colleague, Paula Troutman. However, we've chosen to celebrate the life and the legacy of the remarkable individual that Paula was; one who put family first, with an infectious laugh, colorful language, and who touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her," Paschke said.
Paschke credited Troutman for fostering an environment of "growth, learning, and a sense of belonging." Paschke called her commitment to education a "calling" and a "passion," and applauded her ability to see the potential in everyone. He also said there was never a doubt what Troutman's intentions were.
"She believed in the power of education, the power of family, and the power of love to transform lives," Paschke said. "... Her legacy is woven into the countless stories of students and adults who have left her presence better than when they arrived."
"She was a teachers' principal who knew that getting the best out of teachers results in giving the best to students," Fredonia Teachers Association President Michelle Greenough, a middle school teacher at Fredonia, said on behalf of the Association. "She supported her staff in many ways, but most importantly, she believed in us and allowed us space and grace to be our best in the classroom."
Troutman is survived by her husband of 40 years, Daniel Troutman of South Dayton, and her four children: Danielle Arnone, Kourtney Almeida, Justina Young, and Cody Troutman. She had four siblings – Janise Rhoades, James Butcher, Donald Butcher Jr., and Chas Butcher – along with six grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
"It is well-known that Paula valued family above all else. The importance of family showed through in how she lived her life," Zilliox said.
Zilliox later credited Troutman's cultivation of a "work family" for helping the district cope with her loss. He then shared an anecdote about Troutman regarding an interaction he had with her early in his time with the district. "Similar stories have been shared in the past few weeks that leave no doubt that Paula left an impression and left her mark on us all. I am honored to have worked with and known Paula. She will be greatly missed across the district."