‘Two legacies’: Longtime teachers set to retire from Fredonia schools
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At a recent meeting of the Board of Education, Fredonia Elementary Principal Mark Drollinger said, "A generational teacher is really something special."
Fredonia will have a couple of really special spots to fill in the elementary school next year, as Julie Clark and Janice Walzer Meehl are set to depart from the district at the end of this school year. The Fredonia Board of Education recently accepted the resignation letters from Clark and Walzer-Meehl for the purpose of retirement, effective July 1.
"When you put it in writing, it's real. Tonight makes it real. We walked down here with such nervousness, because this has been my life," Walzer Meehl said. "It was time, and I have the best memories."
The two elementary teachers, whose classrooms are in the same hallway, have worked together for more than three decades. Clark served the district for 35 years, while Walzer Meehl worked at Fredonia for 47 years, with a total of 49 years in the teaching profession.
"I'll miss you both tremendously, it won't be the same," Drollinger said. "But we're going to continue the yearlong celebration of you."
Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox stated that both teachers share similar traits in their teaching styles, including enthusiasm, active learning, and interaction between students that leads to many smiles. Zilliox said the area the two teachers share exhibits "a very positive vibe and positive feeling."
As he addressed both teachers in attendance at the recent meeting, Zilliox said, "I certainly have appreciated getting to know each of you over the past three years, and seeing what you do on a daily basis."
Zilliox added, "Thank you for really engaging our students. Thank you for bringing that positivity and that enthusiasm, and thank you for being teachers that our students remember."
Wheelock School Principal Amy Piper joked that for over a decade, she would hold her breath every year hoping that Clark and Walzer Meehl would not retire just yet. Now, that time has finally come.
"I just remember all of the letters and correspondence from parents just praising both Julie and Janice for the time that their children spent in their classrooms and the care that both of you spend," Piper said. "... What a loss to Fredonia. There's two legacies right there."
Clark noted she reached the decision to retire before Walzer Meehl did. Clark noted the ages of her mother, father and aunt as reasoning for her retirement, to be more accessible to her family.
Walzer Meehl said, "I've enjoyed my time. Fredonia has been so good to me. I know in June, it will be bittersweet. I'll walk out that door with so many great memories, and a lot of sadness."
Walzer Meehl concluded her address to the Board by saying, "I want to thank everybody who I've come into contact with – parents, students, colleagues -- you can't be replaced. You've given me 49 years of a wonderful life."