OBSERVER File Photo Kevin Way, left, is pictured with fellow Fredonia music instructor Andrew Bennett, right. Way is retiring from Fredonia Central Schools once the year ends after 30 years of service to the district.

After three decades of serving Fredonia students, Kevin Way is the latest teacher to announce his intent to retire from the district at the end of the school year. The Board of Education accepted Way’s retirement resignation as Middle School Music Teacher, with regret, in recognition of his 30 years of service to the district.

“This is a great district. I am proud to have spent my time here,” Way said. “I have seen it grow in so many ways, physically not just the music department, but all the departments and everything that the school offers.”

Way joked that he attended the recent meeting because he wanted to make sure his retirement was really happening. He said it seems odd to him that he has been at Fredonia for 30 years, because he still remembers his first year.

“I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and someone is going to call and say the math is wrong,” Way said.

Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox thanked Way for attending the recent meeting to give him thanks for all he has done for the district. Zilliox said it was a pleasure to work with Way over his time as the district’s Superintendent.

Zilliox characterized Way as “positive, upbeat, friendly, welcoming, and an all around great guy.” He commended Way for providing “outstanding music instruction”, as well as his efforts with the district’s auditorium and theatrical productions.

Jamie Polhamus, Middle School Principal, called Way a “tremendous asset” to the district and added that he leaves “super large shoes to fill.”

Polhamus said Way is “a strong leader” within the building. She spoke to how many students Way has impacted over his time at Fredonia, including with various school clubs.

She also highlighted how every middle school student at Fredonia receives music instruction each year.

“He just has such a contribution to our building and to the district in so many different capacities,” Polhamus said. “He will be very, very greatly missed.”

The Board also approved the resignation of Brittany Peterson, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, effective Jan. 28. Peterson is moving to another district closer to home after being at Fredonia for roughly 15 years.

“Best of luck to her as she moves on,” Zilliox said. “She has been a huge asset to the district, very helpful, and has worked with a number of students. She has been able to be helpful to not only students, but also families, as well.”

Kristen Ferro, Director of Special Education, said, “I am sad to bid farewell to Brittany Peterson. It’s hard to believe she has been here for 15 years. … She is one of the most reliable people that I work with. I count on her a lot and I’m sad that she’s going, but I wish her a lot of luck in her new position.”

Amy Piper, Wheelock Principal, said that Peterson “goes above and beyond” her duties throughout the district to meet the needs of students. “We’ll miss her a lot,” Piper said.

Additionally, Megan Ferguson was granted permanent status as a teacher aide, while James Emmott was appointed as a per diem substitute teacher and teacher aide.

The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.