As a lifelong resident of Fredonia and a graduate of the school, Paschke has been a fixture at Fredonia for his entire career. The Board of Education made time for a proper goodbye before his retirement takes effect later this month.

“It’s been an honor,” Paschke said as he held back his emotions.

In typical fashion, Paschke spent the majority of his time to speak at the meeting highlighting the students of Fredonia. Paschke referenced the art show, academic and athletic awards nights, a PRIDE breakfast, a banquet dinner to honor the Spectator newspaper, and an international convention at Florida State University where Fredonia’s Grant Abbey earned a top five finish in the world for his age group.

“I can’t even count the number of times that little Fredonia is the best in the state, best in the country, best in the world. These things keep coming,” Paschke said.

Brian Aldrich completes his term on the Fredonia Board of Education this month.

Having a great leader sure doesn’t hurt.

Wheelock Principal Amy Piper first got to know Paschke as a parent when he taught her children prior to becoming High School Principal. Piper said she appreciated Paschke as a teacher, but also now as an administrator because of his work as the President of the Fredonia Administrators’ Association.

“Darrin has just been a godsend to the district and us as an admin team, and a great friend,” Piper said.

Middle School Principal Jamie Polhamus said Paschke’s shoes to fill will be “giant.” Polhamus spoke to Paschke’s knowledge of Fredonia schools and referred to him as the “go-to” for people at all levels throughout the district.

Dr. Margie Wright, Chief Officer of Curriculum and Human Resources, thanked Paschke for providing her with different perspectives of the district as not only an administrator, but also as a former Fredonia student himself and a district resident. Wright credited Paschke for warmly welcoming new hires to the district with tours and ice cream.

Paschke’s role will be filled by Ron Tonelli, effective July 1. Tonelli, a former Assistant Principal at Fredonia, left the district in 2021 to become Middle/High School Principal at Cassadaga Valley. He was appointed at the end of April.

Paschke was seated next to Tonelli at his final meeting. He addressed his successor, stating, “Ron, you have a great district to work with. These are all fantastic people.”

The Board also said farewell to its longest tenured member, Brian Aldrich, who did not run for re-election. Aldrich has been on the Fredonia Board of Education since 2015 and served as President for five years, up until this past year.

Current Board of Education President Steve Johnston served as Aldrich’s Vice President for the past two years prior to becoming Board President this school year. Johnston said, “We’d like to thank him for his time on the Board, volunteering his time. Thank you, Mr. Aldrich.”

Johnston also credited Aldrich for initiating the district’s pursuit of student representatives on the Board of Education. Aldrich was President as Lacey Drennen became the district’s first Student Representative over a year ago. Kevin Martin will fill Aldrich’s seat on the Board of Education, beginning July 1.

The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is Tuesday, July 1 at 6 p.m., beginning with the annual organizational meeting followed by the regular meeting.