OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Fredonia Board of Education President Steve Johnston, left, and Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox, right, listen to comments from the audience during a recent Board meeting.

Shortly before school was set to begin, the Fredonia Central School District finalized two notable hires for the upcoming year. Shane Murphy will join the district as a Middle School Science Teacher, while Jacqueline Blaszczykiewicz Monahan will fill the role of Elementary School Psychologist.

Murphy holds professional certification in Biology Grades 7-12. His four-year probationary appointment began on Aug. 26.

Murphy received his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Fredonia and earned his master’s degree from Buffalo State University. Murphy taught science for three years at Allegany-Limestone High School. He also student-taught at Maple Grove and was a substitute at Cassadaga Valley. Murphy has been involved in the Quest Backpacking expedition for more than 15 years.

“We are elated that he will be starting the year for us. I think he is going to be an amazing addition,” Middle School Principal Jamie Polhamus said. “We are thrilled to have him.”

Monahan holds permanent certifications in Special Education and as a School Psychologist. Her four-year probationary appointment will begin on Sept. 8.

Monahan has roughly two decades worth of psychology experience in Connecticut. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Binghamton and her master’s degree in New York City at Fordham University. Monahan fills a previously vacant position that was offset by additional support from BOCES last year.

“She’s a great person,” said Elementary Principal Mark Drollinger. “She’s a storyteller, very personable. I think she’ll have no problems very quickly building relationships with kids and teachers. I think we’re lucky to have her.”

Following the hiring of Murphy and Monahan, the district’s lone remaining instructional vacancy remains in secondary special education. “From where we were a month ago, we’re in a good spot,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox.

Additionally, Kim Gentry was appointed to a four-year probationary Teaching Assistant position. Amy Kinney and Morrigan Waller were appointed as full-time Teacher Aides. The Board also accepted the resignation of Teacher Aide Kathleen Schultz for the purpose of accepting the 10-month, 3-hour daily role of Food Service Helper within the district. Andrew Bennett will share duties as K-12 Music Instructional Leader with Kevin Way.

Four per diem substitutes were also approved by the Board, including Classified Teacher Aides Valerie Nykula and Debora Tobio, as well as Non-Certified Teachers Grace Thie and Aniyiah Harris. Caylee Ames will serve as a Student Teacher alongside Amy Gavazzi.

Three Teacher Aides resigned from Fredonia within a week of each other, including Iliannkateryn Padua Garcia, Gardenys Wuerstle, and Jennifer Paredes. The District also reduced one Elementary teaching position, opting to place Colleen Schroeck on the Preferred Eligible List.

The Board approved a series of transportation contracts with First Student, Inc., varying between $431.70 to $592.97 per day. Zilliox explained that the costs also account for all of the expenses associated with bussing, from training and staffing to maintenance and insurance. Fredonia does not maintain its own fleet of buses, instead opting to contract for the services each year. Fredonia’s transportation costs are aided at roughly 72% reimbursement by the state of New York.

The Board also accepted the bid from Bahgat & Laurito-Bahgat for external audit services. An executive session was also held for the purpose of discussing personnel and collective bargaining agreements.

The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education will be Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.