OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox spoke highly of a new hire at the District during a recent Board of Education meeting.

A former Fredonia teacher stepped up to fill a temporary vacancy as the District’s Business Teacher, but the District has now found its long-term solution.

At a recent meeting, the Fredonia Board of Education approved the appointment of Colleen Schroeck to a probationary teaching position as a Business Teacher, commencing Dec. 20. Schroeck possesses Initial‬ Certifications in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), Social Studies (Grades 5-9),‬ and Social Studies 7-12.

Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox noted Schroeck’s business experience prior to becoming an instructor at BOCES. Multiple members of the District thanked Kim Powell, a former Fredonia teacher, for filling the vacancy as a full-time Certified Extended Leave Substitute to bridge the gap between full-time teachers.

While one teacher was appointed by the Board, another earned tenure. Emily Thie, who has Initial‬ Certifications in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6) was approved for a tenured position to commence Nov. 29. Elementary Principal Mark Drollinger defined Thie as a teacher who has “character and credibility” as he recommended her for tenure.

Thie began her teaching career at Fredonia in 2020. In a prepared statement, Thie said, “I have felt incredibly fortunate to be part of such a vibrant, dedicated community. The students, staff, and leadership have made it a truly rewarding place to work.”

Also of note, the Wheelock Early Childhood Center will have new temporary leadership through Jan. 31, as Todd Crandall, Maria Dejoy, and Ivana Hite were appointed as interim administrators for the Wheelock Early Childhood Center. Each administrator will receive $400 per day as they share the workload on alternating days. The appointments were necessary because Wheelock Principal Amy Piper has taken leave from the school in what the District anticipates as a temporary absence.

Additionally, Christian Ambrosioni was appointed to a non-probationary,‬ .27 teaching position as an English as a New Language (ENL) teacher, effective Dec. 20 through June 27. Layna Pelletter was appointed as interim CPSE Chairperson at a rate of $41 per hour.

Tim Kachelmeyer, Fredonia’s School Safety Officer and Co-Coach of the varsity Flag Football team, was approved as Boys Modified Basketball Coach.

Rylee Beers, a Fredonia graduate and daughter of Fredonia teacher Jesse Beers, was approved for fieldwork as a university student. The District also approved 13 students for fieldwork within the Fredonia Music Department.

The Board also appointed several substitutes, including Luz Walls, Emily Novak, Victoria Hannold, Cabrina Gorges, Leigh Chapman, and Cameron Forster. Stefanie Shephard was appointed as a certified substitute School Nurse – RN. The resignation of JoAnna Head, Teacher Aide, was also accepted.

A transportation contract with WNY Bus Company to the BOCES Carrier Center from Nov. 13 through the rest of the 2024-2025 school year at a daily rate of $418 was also approved.

The recent meeting began with a moment of silence in memory of Mackenzie Michalski, a Class of 2010 graduate, and Judy Reynolds, a former Fredonia teacher, each who recently passed away.

The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is Tuesday at 6 p.m. Two days later, Dec. 12, is the District’s proposed Capital Project vote.