OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Doug Essek was named Head of the Maintenance Department at a recent Fredonia Board of Education meeting.

Not often do schools fill an open teaching position this far into the school year, but Fredonia managed to do so with its latest hire, Emily Diamond.

At the latest meeting of the Board of Education, Diamond was appointed to a Special Education teaching position at Fredonia High School. The position Diamond will fill has been open following a summer resignation. Deb LaBarr has filled in as a substitute while the district looked for a permanent replacement.

Diamond is Professionally Certified in Students with Disabilities Grades 7-12 and Biology.

She comes from the Jamestown area, with degrees from Jamestown Community College and SUNY Fredonia, where she majored in Psychology with a minor in Latino Studies. Diamond then earned a master’s degree in Special Education from Mercyhurst University.

Diamond has nearly 30 years of professional experience, including stops at Job Corps and the Panama Central School District, where she was employed until her appointment at Fredonia was finalized. Her time with Fredonia begins Monday, Nov. 10. Her four-year probationary appointment period expires Nov. 9, 2029.

“We’re really excited to have her onboard here,” said High School Principal Ron Tonelli.

The Board also approved two promotions for experienced members of Fredonia’s own Salaried Support Staff at the recent meeting. Steve Mignoli was named Head of the Custodial Department, while Doug Essek was named Head of the Maintenance Department. Both appointments are retroactive to Sept. 15.

Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox explained the district initially sought a Director of Facilities, but after struggling to find the right fit, the district pivoted to split the duties among two of its most qualified employees instead. In doing so, the district hopes for collaboration between the departments, which will now have clearer direction on what duties fall to each department.

“This is really a joint effort,” Zilliox said. “… We’re excited about this opportunity. We’re excited that both Steve and Doug stepped forward showing interest in this position.”

Several employees were also granted permanent employment status, including a pair of Registered Nurses, Brandy Kachelmeyer and Bonita Costello. Zilliox said that since the two nurses were hired, things have run “much smoother” than they had previously, as the district previously struggled to address a nursing shortage.

Zilliox said, “Congratulations to both Brandy and Bonita. We appreciate everything that they bring to the table, and also appreciate helping to solidify the excellent care in the district over this time.”

Also earning permanent employment status was Kim Leid, School Food Service Director; Wendy Reed, Cleaner; Olivia Erbacher, Clerk II; Emily Moe, Cook Manager; and Kaitlyn Hart, Food Service Helper.

Probationary appointments approved at the latest meeting include Heather Montgomery, Teacher Aide; Francis Martinez, Food Service Helper; and Eileen Love, Food Service Helper. Gary Butler, Trent Sunick, Sheryl Tordahl, and Jaelyn Davis were approved as per diem substitutes. Stacey Gorka was reassigned from the role of Middle School Teaching Assistant to Library Teaching Assistant.

The Board approved four university students for observations and fieldwork, including Jade Giambrone, Kira Davidson, Isaac Tripp, and Kelliann Hender. A Fredonia State music therapy graduate study was also approved.

A series of volunteer coaches were approved for the winter sports season, including Greg Lauer, Boys Basketball; Eric Swoyer, Boys Basketball; Greg Haight, Boys Basketball; Quane Pate, Modified Boys Basketball; Jen Cave, Girls Basketball; Amanda Tonelli, Girls Basketball; Amanda Pacanowski, Girls Modified Basketball; Kenny Betts, Wrestling; Justin Cerne, Wrestling; Dakota Gardner, Wrestling; Mario Muscarella, Wrestling; and Mike Hodkin, Girls Wrestling.

The Board also approved a transportation contract for out-of-district placement of a special education student at the Jamestown BOCES Bloom Program. The contract is with First Student, and runs from Oct. 14 through June 26, in the amount of $431.70 per day. When the district is able to share transportation with Dunkirk to the same location, the rate is $215.85 per day. The district receives transportation aid to partially reimburse the expense.

The Board began its recent meeting with a moment of silence to remember Ron Wakefield, a former employee who recently passed away. The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.