Less than four months after beginning her role as Randolph Academy Principal, Korzeniewski returned to the District where she spent the majority of her career.

Fighting back tears, Korzeniewski thanked the District and the Board of Education for welcoming her back to the District in a new role. “This is my home, and it means the world to me to serve and lead here amongst people that I just truly do love and respect,” Korzeniewski said.

Korzeniewski served the Fredonia Central School District in a variety of roles since 2010. She has been a Spanish and Elementary Teacher; an Instructional Leader for Grade Eight and for World Languages; served as STEM Camp Director; and was the District Mentor Coordinator for the Fredonia Teachers Association.

Korzeniewski has a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from the New York Institute of Technology, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Hispanic Studies from Mount Saint Mary College. She interned with Fredonia and Wheelock principals, along with the District’s Curriculum and Human Resources Officer while pursuing her School Building and District Leadership Certificate from the College of Saint Rose.

Submitted Photo Sarah Korzeniewski is the new Assistant Principal of Fredonia High School.

“One of the things that really spoke to people in her interview is her saying that Randolph is a great place, but there’s something about Fredonia feeling like home,” Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said. “… We’re happy to have her return.”

Korzeniewski fills the vacancy created by Greg Lauer’s departure for the Southwestern Central School District at the conclusion of last school year. Lauer’s role as Athletic Director was filled by longtime colleague Nick Bertrando, and now his role as Assistant Principal is filled by another former colleague in Korzeniewski.

High School Principal Darrin Paschke said, “Sarah, we’re just really confident in your leadership and what it’s going to bring to our students and our staff. I look forward to working with you, I really do. I think the collaborative process that we’re going to have is going to be fantastic. I think it’s a great decision to come back to Fredonia.”

Korzeniewski added, “I’m looking forward to working with the administrative team on a deeper level because I just want to give everything I can to the students and the staff of Fredonia.”

Fredonia also hired two teachers who graduated from SUNY Fredonia — one ready to begin her teaching career, and another looking for a new place to call home in the community in which she resides.

Kourtney Krchniak was appointed as an Elementary Teacher. Krchniak holds initial certification in Early Childhood Education – Birth-Grade 2 and Childhood Education – Grades 1-6. She graduated with both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from SUNY Fredonia, and in doing so, student taught at Fredonia in both the Elementary School and at Wheelock. She also substituted for Fredonia while working on her master’s degree.

“I’ve had really great experiences,” Krchniak said of her time already at Fredonia. “… I love the opportunity that I get to continue working here with some of the teachers and faculty that I’ve loved the last two years. Mostly, I’m really just excited for my very first year teaching.”

Board of Education President Steve Johnston responded that Krchniak is “in very good hands under the direction of Mr. Drollinger” as Elementary Principal.

Stacey Wallace was appointed as a Special Education Teacher. Wallace holds permanent certification in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grades 1-6, along with professional certification in Students with Disabilities – Grades 7-12, Students with Disabilities – Birth-Grade 2, and Students with Disabilities – Grades 1-6.

Wallace, a Fredonia resident and SUNY Fredonia graduate for undergraduate and graduate work, also previously worked for a community based organization on site at Wheelock. She is also a former Track and Field Coach and Cross Country Coach.

“We’re excited to have Stacey. Her experience hasn’t been in High School, but we have a fantastic team of Special Ed. Teachers at the High School, several of which haven’t started off in the High School but have found that this is their place,” Paschke said.

Wallace responded, “I’m excited for the opportunity. I have felt like I’ve been part of the team for a while now.”

Johnston reiterated that Wallace is also in great hands with Paschke and Director of Special Education Kristen Ferro. Referring to Krchniak, Wallace, and Korzeniewski, Johnston said, “Three names, three great hires tonight.”

The District also appointed Amanda Kent to a full-time long-term substitute Middle School Special Education Teacher position. Kent held the same role last year as she awaits approval of her certification from the New York State Department of Education. Extended Leave substitutes Megan Fisher and Shannon Moore were also approved, along with per diem substitutes Brian Tadt and Jessica Schneider.

Six Teacher Aides were also appointed to probationary positions at the recent meeting: Jean Pacheo, Desiree Ziolkowski, Katherine Friend, Amy Rebmann, JoAnna Head and Jennifer Paredes. Samantha Heitz was appointed to a probationary position as School Secretary.

Permanent appointments were approved for Ty Van Wie, Cleaner, and Dan Korzenski, Building Maintenance Mechanic II. Additionally, Olivia Boothe was approved as a School Social Worker intern under the direction of Cassandra Farrell for the 2024-2025 school year.

The District also accepted four resignations, including Middle School Science Teacher Tehya Sharp, who was hired a year ago. Susan Manzella, Cleaner, and Jesse Schafer, Food Service Helper, also resigned from their roles with the District, while Madalyn Mueller resigned as Team 7 Leader due to a change in position within Fredonia Middle School. Karin Scott takes over as Team 7 Leader.

A contract renewal was also approved with Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP for fire alarm services for the Main Street campus at a cost of $9,400 and the Wheelock campus at a cost of $1,260. Also approved by the Board were purchases of musical instruments and art supplies for the 2024-2025 school year.

The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m., in the High School Library.