OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Todd Crandall, former Silver Creek Superintendent, will be the interim Assistant Principal of Fredonia Middle School on a per diem basis for the remainder of the school year.

The Fredonia Central School District has turned to a familiar face to assist its newest principal for the rest of the school year.

Todd Crandall was appointed by the Board of Education as the District’s Interim Assistant Middle School Principal on a per diem basis. Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox stated that Crandall will likely finish the school year in the role. The District appointed Ivana Hite to the same role, effective Jan. 24, where she will remain until Crandall’s appointment takes effect.

Crandall was most recently the Superintendent of Silver Creek Central Schools before resigning for the purpose of retirement last year. Prior to becoming the Superintendent in Silver Creek, Crandall served as Fredonia High School Principal from 2003-2016. He began his career in education in the region as an Elementary School Teacher with the Chautauqua Lake Central School District in 1990, then became a Secondary Principal at Forestville Central School in 2001 prior to joining Fredonia in 2003.

Crandall stated in his letter of interest that he still considers himself “part of the Fredonia School family.” He also said he is pleased to assist Fredonia Middle School “as it works through the tragic passing of Mrs. Paula Troutman,” with whom he previously worked with.

“Paula was a dear friend of mine and a tremendous lifelong educator. It is my honor to assist the students, families and staff this spring as you begin your search for a new Principal for the Middle School,” Crandall stated.

The Board of Education also accepted the resignation of Laura Wheeler, School Psychologist, effective March 17. Wheeler is leaving the District to accept a position closer to her home out of the District.

“It has been a truly memorable experience working with the administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families at FCSD. Being part of such a passionate, collaborative, talented, hardworking, and caring community has no doubt contributed to my growth as a practitioner over the years. It is for these reasons that this decision has been difficult to make,” Wheeler stated in an official letter of resignation.

The District also approved the probationary appointment of Stacy Levulis as School Secretary, as well as the provisional appointment of Andrea Blandin as Certified Occupational Therapist and the permanent appointment of Teacher Aides Katrina Sanders and Beckymarlis Figueroa.

Matthew Barton, Collin Cummings, Louise DeCosta-Bacher, and Casey Huber were appointed as per diem non-certified substitutes. Laryssa McMurray and Carol Perkins were appointed as classified Teacher Aide substitutes, while Perkins is also approved as a Clerical Substitute.

Deb LaBarr will serve as a Certified Extended Leave Substitute, effective April 29, through June 26. Erin Cunningham will be a volunteer assistant coach with the Unified Basketball Team.