OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Fredonia Board of Education President Steve Johnston spoke fondly of one of the district’s latest retirees at a recent meeting.

Fredonia Board of Education President Steve Johnston had personal experience with his own family in mind when he spoke about the district’s latest retiree, Valerie Nykula. Johnston’s granddaughter is a student of the district, and Nykula was the teacher aide in her classroom.

“She’s fantastic,” Johnston said. He congratulated Nykula on her retirement while acknowledging it is “a big loss” to the district.

Nykula’s retirement was accepted at a recent Board of Education meeting. She served the district in a variety of roles for more than a quarter-century.

“She’s just a joy. We’re really going to miss her,” Wheelock School Principal Amy Piper said. “Her knowledge, her patience, her nurturing of the kids has been wonderful.”

The district also accepted the resignation from Jennifer Beichner, a High School Science Teacher who is moving on to another position.

Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said of both employees set to depart from the district, “We very much appreciate everything they have done for the district. Best of luck as they move on.”

The Board also approved the hiring of Aislinn Edmunds and Troy Lanski as non-certified per diem substitutes, just as Margaret Nagar was appointed at the previous meeting. Seven teacher overages across various levels of the district were also previously approved.

Three Extended Leave Substitutes were also appointed by the Board, including Deb LaBarr, Victoria Streicher, and Kevin Redfield. Shelley Brautigam will take over for Kara Korhummel as 2024-2025 Class Night Advisor.

A contract with Children’s Educational Services, Inc., for occupational therapy services was approved at a cost of $7,200. A contract was also approved with Buffalo Hearing and Speech for music and speech therapy services, as needed.

The Board also reviewed and accepted the 2025-2026 BOCES services commitment statement, and accepted its service agreement with the district. Fredonia also approved the BOCES administrative budget in the amount of $4,036,957. The Board cast votes for Ronald Catalano, Kathleen Chiavetta, Dwight Eagan, Linda Hoffman, and Anita Ray to serve on the Erie II BOCES Board.

A trip to Peru in the spring of 2027 was also approved by the Board at no expense to the district. Christine Cruz-Keefe, Middle School Spanish Teacher, submitted the proposal for the trip, which will be covered by fundraising.

The Fredonia budget vote is set for Tuesday, May 20 from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the High School Cafeteria. The next regular Fredonia Board of Education meeting will be during the vote at 6 p.m., May 20.