OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Michelle Greenough, President of the Fredonia Teachers’ Association, addressed the Board of Education at a recent meeting.

Michelle Greenough, President of the Fredonia Teachers’ Association (FTA), addressed the Board of Education at a recent meeting to urge the district to consider increasing its focus on providing services to students in need of additional support.

Greenough singled out speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists as positions that are understaffed at the district. Greenough stated that related service providers are “being pushed to the breaking point” due to understaffing. On behalf of the FTA, Greenough expressed support for the “immediate hire” of a full-time speech pathologist.

“New classifications with therapy needs happen every month, and new students with needs move into the district all the time,” Greenough said. “… If we want students to exit services and make meaningful progress, they need adequate clinician time. Additional related service providers improve student outcomes and reduce long-term special education costs.”

Greenough stated while special education teaching positions have been added in recent years as the needs of the students have grown, the district has not increased its related service providers to the same degree. Greenough expressed concern that the providers the district does have could leave for another district or due to burnout if the district does not increase its investment in the department.

Wheelock Principal Amy Piper later thanked Greenough for her comments, and also emphasized the need for related service providers. Piper said, “It is imperative that we have these services for our students. … I am a huge proponent of early intervention, because it works.”

Shortly after Greenough’s comments, the district received its external audit report, which showed the district’s unassigned fund balance is rapidly declining, and currently sits well below the recommended 4% cap. The district’s net expenditures in excess of revenues totaled just shy of $400,000 in 2025.

Five resignations were accepted by the Board of Education at its recent meeting, including Jacqueline Monahan, School Psychologist, effective Jan. 7. Other resignations include Olivia Erbacher, Clerk II; Brian Colt, Food Service Helper; and Teacher Aides Theresa Priolette and Isavette Rodriguez.

William Wright was hired as a Teaching Assistant on a probationary appointment through Aug. 26, 2029. The Board also approved probationary appointments of Dylan Pierce, Food Service Helper; Yaretzy DeJesus Ayala, Cleaner; Peter Privitere, Building Maintenance Mechanic II; and Aricca Lis, Teacher Aide.

The Board also approved Virginia Harper and Selina Marrero as substitute teaching assistants; Kameron Mages as a substitute teacher aide; and Nancy Jopek as a substitute lifeguard. Shaylynn Waterman was approved as a volunteer Basketball Cheerleading Coach.

The next regular Board of Education meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.