By BRADEN CARMEN bcarmen@observertoday.com After the Fredonia Board of Education regretfully accepted the retirement resignation of three teachers, President Steve Johnston said, “There’s no other profession that touches so many lives.” Johnston said the district’s three outgoing teachers — Gregory Haase, Karin Scott Vona, and Susan Webb Wells — are “great examples of why teaching is such a great profession.” All three teachers have been at Fredonia for at least a quarter century, but now are set to retire at the end of the school year, effective July 1. Gregory Haase, a High School Technology Teacher, has been an employee of the district for 27 years. Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox highlighted Haase’s efforts as the district transitioned from “more traditional courses” to an increased focus on technological advancement. Specifically, Haase took on a course teaching students how to operate drones. Haase also served as a bowling coach at Fredonia for many years. Zilliox characterized him as “a positive contributor across the board.” High School Principal Ron Tonelli said Haase is “going to be really hard to replace in any way, shape or form.” Tonelli added, “We’ve got some big shoes to fill at our school.” Tonelli spoke to how elective teachers often develop a following among their students, and Haase is no different. Regardless of the course, Haase was well-liked by many Fredonia students. “Everybody really, really loves Mr. Haase here,” Tonelli said. “He’s the greatest guy you could ever meet.” Karin Scott Vona, a Middle School Math Teacher, has been an employee of the district for 25 years. Zilliox described Scott Vona as “a professional, through and through” and as a “cornerstone” of the district’s math department. Middle School Principal Jamie Polhamus called Scott Vona “such a strong leader” with a positive energy, and referred to her as “a go-to for brainstorming and problem solving.” Polhamus said she is fortunate that members of her own family had Scott Vona as a teacher. Polhamus credited her for bridging the gap between sixth and seventh grade students as they advance in the Middle School. “There’s just not enough words to express how much she contributes to our building, and that extends beyond just her tremendous work with our students,” Polhamus said. “… She will just be so tremendously missed on so many different levels.” Susan Webb Wells, an Elementary School Teacher, has been an employee of the district for 30 years. Zilliox also characterized Webb Wells as a “cornerstone” of the Elementary School, and defined her as “very professional, very polite, and very respectful in her demeanor.” Zilliox said Webb Wells is able to hold students accountable, while still coming across as loving and having a positive energy. Elementary Principal Mark Drollinger extended thanks to Webb Wells for all she has done, not only for the students of Fredonia Elementary, but to him personally when he took over as Elementary Principal. Dr. Margie Wright, Chief Officer for Curriculum and Human Resources, highlighted Webb Wells’ passion for reading and writing. Students in her classes often created books to share with the district, and she is also heavily involved in planning a Winter Olympics themed event at the district. “She really loves to have the students involved in so many different ways,” Wright said. “… It’s really fantastic. She’s a wonderful person to work alongside. I wish her the best.” The Board also accepted the resignation of Isaac Rodriguez from the role of Cleaner, effective Nov. 19, 2025. Zilliox characterized Rodriguez as “a positive contributor to our school community.” Three appointments were approved by the Board, including the provisional appointment of Isabella Mignoli as School Secretary, as well as one-year probationary appointments of Ann See as Clerk II, a 12-month position, and Sheryl Tordahl as Food Service Helper, a 10-month position. A series of per diem substitutes were also approved by the Board, including Shirley Rara, Teacher/Teacher Aide/Teaching Assistant; Georgiana May, Lifeguard; Daniel Sullivan, Printer; Larissa Morris, Teacher Aide; and Cathy Smith, Teacher. The Board approved a lengthy list of university students for fieldwork under the direction of Andrew Bennett and Amy Gavazzi, including Caylee Ames, Anna Foley, Samantha Mason, Jordan Kanick, Maddie Rios, Aurelia Chudy, Edward Martinez, Katelyn Margut, Michael Gallagher, Stephanie Vargas, Maggie Drennan, Charlie Radomski, David Lynch, Alex Acosta, Matthew Ramirez, Paj Huson, and Jackson Cain. The 2024-2025 Single Audit Report and Corrective Action Plan were also approved by the Board following an independent audit from Bahgat & Laurito-Bahgat. The District also established a mileage reimbursement rate of 72.4 cents per mile, effective Jan. 1. Following an inquiry made during public comments earlier this school year, the District updated its athletic fundraising guidelines. The District made the changes to provide increased transparency and clarity to athletes and their families. The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.

After the Fredonia Board of Education regretfully accepted the retirement resignation of three teachers, President Steve Johnston said, “There’s no other profession that touches so many lives.”

Johnston said the district’s three outgoing teachers — Gregory Haase, Karin Scott Vona, and Susan Webb Wells — are “great examples of why teaching is such a great profession.” All three teachers have been at Fredonia for at least a quarter century, but now are set to retire at the end of the school year, effective July 1.

Gregory Haase, a High School Technology Teacher, has been an employee of the district for 27 years. Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox highlighted Haase’s efforts as the district transitioned from “more traditional courses” to an increased focus on technological advancement.

Specifically, Haase took on a course teaching students how to operate drones. Haase also served as a bowling coach at Fredonia for many years. Zilliox characterized him as “a positive contributor across the board.”

High School Principal Ron Tonelli said Haase is “going to be really hard to replace in any way, shape or form.” Tonelli added, “We’ve got some big shoes to fill at our school.”

Tonelli spoke to how elective teachers often develop a following among their students, and Haase is no different. Regardless of the course, Haase was well-liked by many Fredonia students. “Everybody really, really loves Mr. Haase here,” Tonelli said. “He’s the greatest guy you could ever meet.”

Karin Scott Vona, a Middle School Math Teacher, has been an employee of the district for 25 years. Zilliox described Scott Vona as “a professional, through and through” and as a “cornerstone” of the district’s math department.

Middle School Principal Jamie Polhamus called Scott Vona “such a strong leader” with a positive energy, and referred to her as “a go-to for brainstorming and problem solving.”

Polhamus said she is fortunate that members of her own family had Scott Vona as a teacher. Polhamus credited her for bridging the gap between sixth and seventh grade students as they advance in the Middle School.

“There’s just not enough words to express how much she contributes to our building, and that extends beyond just her tremendous work with our students,” Polhamus said. “… She will just be so tremendously missed on so many different levels.”

Susan Webb Wells, an Elementary School Teacher, has been an employee of the district for 30 years. Zilliox also characterized Webb Wells as a “cornerstone” of the Elementary School, and defined her as “very professional, very polite, and very respectful in her demeanor.”

Zilliox said Webb Wells is able to hold students accountable, while still coming across as loving and having a positive energy. Elementary Principal Mark Drollinger extended thanks to Webb Wells for all she has done, not only for the students of Fredonia Elementary, but to him personally when he took over as Elementary Principal.

Dr. Margie Wright, Chief Officer for Curriculum and Human Resources, highlighted Webb Wells’ passion for reading and writing. Students in her classes often created books to share with the district, and she is also heavily involved in planning a Winter Olympics themed event at the district.

“She really loves to have the students involved in so many different ways,” Wright said. “… It’s really fantastic. She’s a wonderful person to work alongside. I wish her the best.”

The Board also accepted the resignation of Isaac Rodriguez from the role of Cleaner, effective Nov. 19, 2025. Zilliox characterized Rodriguez as “a positive contributor to our school community.”

Three appointments were approved by the Board, including the provisional appointment of Isabella Mignoli as School Secretary, as well as one-year probationary appointments of Ann See as Clerk II, a 12-month position, and Sheryl Tordahl as Food Service Helper, a 10-month position.

A series of per diem substitutes were also approved by the Board, including Shirley Rara, Teacher/Teacher Aide/Teaching Assistant; Georgiana May, Lifeguard; Daniel Sullivan, Printer; Larissa Morris, Teacher Aide; and Cathy Smith, Teacher.

The Board approved a lengthy list of university students for fieldwork under the direction of Andrew Bennett and Amy Gavazzi, including Caylee Ames, Anna Foley, Samantha Mason, Jordan Kanick, Maddie Rios, Aurelia Chudy, Edward Martinez, Katelyn Margut, Michael Gallagher, Stephanie Vargas, Maggie Drennan, Charlie Radomski, David Lynch, Alex Acosta, Matthew Ramirez, Paj Huson, and Jackson Cain.

The 2024-2025 Single Audit Report and Corrective Action Plan were also approved by the Board following an independent audit from Bahgat & Laurito-Bahgat. The District also established a mileage reimbursement rate of 72.4 cents per mile, effective Jan. 1.

Following an inquiry made during public comments earlier this school year, the District updated its athletic fundraising guidelines. The District made the changes to provide increased transparency and clarity to athletes and their families.

The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.