OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Dr. Margie Wright, Chief Officer for Curriculum and Human Resources, was one of eight district employees to earn tenure appointments at a recent Board of Education meeting.

At the final Board of Education meeting for the current school year, eight Fredonia Central School employees earned tenured positions with the district.

Daniel Bittinger, Shelley Brautigam, Brianne Flowers, Jenna Hockwater, Kara Korhummel, Jennifer Martin, Sara Thomas, and Dr. Margie Wright were approved for tenured positions by the Board of Education. Bittinger and Wright received tenure on Monday, while the others begin on Aug. 31.

“In our district, we absolutely feel that tenure is earned, not given by the district. In all eight of these scenarios, absolutely, tenure was earned by hard work, dedication, and really doing the right things for students,” Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said.

Michelle Greenough, Fredonia Teachers’ Association President, extended congratulations to all eight employees that achieved tenure on behalf of the Fredonia Teachers’ Association.

“You have here hardworking, student-focused teachers who are absolutely assets to their teams, their departments, their students, and the district as a whole,” Greenough said. “I’m proud to say that I’ve worked with these professionals, and several of them taught my daughter, too.”

Dr. Wright, Chief Officer for Curriculum and Human Resources, holds a professional certification as a School District Leader. Zilliox credited Wright for bringing balance to the district, as her skill set pairs nicely with his because of their differences in work experience prior to administration, as well as their different outlooks on various aspects of education.

Zilliox also credited Wright for taking on substantial tasks at Fredonia, including new mathematics programming, a focus on consistency through literacy, and grant funding requirements through the pandemic.

Retiring High School Principal Darrin Paschke noted that Wright’s title is often split into two different jobs at other districts. “The amount of work that she can get done as a single person I just think needs to be commended,” Paschke said. “You put people sometimes in a near impossible situation when you ask them to do so much stuff, and that is such a difficult job. … I really appreciate that she doesn’t give up.”

Wright was interested in the role from a distance when it was first created, but she did not fully believe she would get the job when she applied. She thought to herself, “We’ll see if I even get a first round interview.”

All of a sudden, that tune quickly changed. “So I’m moving to Fredonia,” she joked.

Wright called the move to Fredonia “the best decision I could make.” She credited the district for its attitude of finding a way to accomplish its goals in the best interest of students.

“I think that is truly the heart of what makes this district special, and I’m so grateful to be a piece of it,” Wright said.

Bittinger, a High School Physics Teacher, holds professional certifications in Physics for Grades 7-12 and Students with Disabilities for Grades 7-12, along with an extension in General Science for Grades 7-12.

Both Zilliox and Paschke said while it is not easy to replace a Physics Teacher, hiring Bittinger eased those nerves after Greg Lauer transitioned from the classroom to an administrative role. Paschke said Bittinger was first contacted through a “cold call”, as the district was searching for a replacement for Lauer.

Zilliox and Paschke each credited Bittinger for making a challenging course enjoyable for students. “The kids are on task, they love his class, they love his sense of humor, and he has the knowledge that will not quit – kids look up to it,” Paschke said. “He’s a fantastic addition to our staff. I’m glad that he’s a permanent fixture here.”

After a round of applause, Bittinger said, “This is home. I look forward to spending the rest of my career in Fredonia.”

Brautigam, a Special Education Teacher, holds professional certifications in Students with Disabilities for Grades 7-12 and Students with Disabilities – English Language Arts for Grades 7-12.

Special Education Director Kristen Ferro called Brautigam “a champion and advocate for students with disabilities.” Ferro added, “She is kind, caring, and helps students realize their potential academically, as well as socially and as good citizens.”

Brautigam said, “I’m really thankful that this is where I ended up.” She later added, “At the end of this, if I make a difference in one kid’s life, it’s all been worth it.”

Flowers, a Mathematics Teacher, holds initial certifications in Mathematics for Grades 7-12 and Mathematics for Grades 5-9. Flowers is also the district’s Varsity Girls Basketball Coach.

Zilliox recalled how in her first year, Flowers – then Davis – spent her open period each morning observing another teacher’s class to better understand the needs of her students.

“Not every teacher is willing to go the extra mile to spend literally 40 minutes in a day, times 180, to improve what they’re doing and improve their knowledge. That definitely impressed me,” Zilliox said.

Noting that students often go out of their way to visit her classroom, Paschke added, “It’s a real credit to her and a credit for our school to have her here. I wish her the best because she’s doing a great job.”

Hockwater, an English Teacher at Fredonia Middle School, holds professional certification in English Language Arts for Grades 7-12. Zilliox noted that Hockwater regularly works closely with Michelle Greenough. “You definitely see the connection between what’s happening in these two classrooms, and it’s really high level, quality education,” Zilliox said.

Middle School Principal Jamie Polhamus said of Hockwater, “She’s a tremendously positive energy within our building and I’m very grateful that she’s here.”

Korhummel, a Special Education Teacher, holds professional certifications in Students with Disabilities from Birth-Grade 2, Grades 1-6, and Grades 7-12, including an Earth Science extension. Korhummel also has professional certifications in Early Childhood Education from Birth-Grade 2 and Childhood Education from Grades 1-6.

“Kara is a strong relationship builder. She helps students find their niche and their voice,” Ferro said of Korhummel. “She makes students feel comfortable and valued. She is a positive communicator and is well-organized, and always receptive to new thoughts and ideas. She is an asset to the High School and the Special Ed. team.”

Martin, a School Counselor, possesses permanent certification as a School Counselor. Polhamus said Martin fits “seamlessly” within the Middle School. She credited Martin as a trusted adult for students and families throughout the district.

“I want to thank everybody for the opportunity to work here. It’s an amazing district and I’m really enjoying myself,” Martin said. “… I really do have the best team.”

Thomas, an Elementary Teacher, holds professional certification in Early Childhood Education from Birth-Grade 2 and Childhood Education from Grades 1-6. Zilliox credited Thomas for establishing a nurturing environment in her first grade classroom.

“What she does isn’t easy to replicate. … She extends a little bit more patience, a little bit more tolerance and love to the kids who need it most,” said Mark Drollinger, Elementary Principal.

Thomas responded, “I’m truly grateful for the past four years here at Fredonia. … I’m looking forward to many more great years to come.”