OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Fredonia School Social Worker Cassie Farrell, left, is pictured with Wheelock Principal Amy Piper, right.

The latest Board of Education meeting was a monumental night for two Fredonia school employees, as Cassie Farrell and Alexandra Goff were granted tenure.

Farrell, a School Social Worker, was granted tenure effective Feb. 27. She was hired in response to increasing needs stemming from the pandemic. In the past four years at Fredonia, Farrell has made a significant impact on the youngest students in the district.

“Cassie came on board and delivered 100% on everything that she shared in her interview, but also in the overall mental health of our students and our staff,” Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said. “In thinking about how we can help families, she has ingrained herself in the culture of both buildings that she has worked in.”

Amy Piper, Wheelock School Principal, said that it was hard to come up with enough words to express the impact that Farrell has had on the district through her time at Wheelock and Fredonia Elementary. Piper called her “a bright light” at Wheelock.

Witnessing her walk through the halls of Wheelock, Piper spoke to the impact that Farrell has on the students each day. Piper said that students flock to Farrell, even those who have dealt with “tremendous trauma,” such as house fires, lack of heat, or food insecurity.

“They know that Cassie is their person. She is safe, she sees them, she supports them, and she allows them to then go in the classroom and learn, and be happy, and feel like they can actually do that,” Piper said.

Piper described Farrell as a leader with genuine and authentic ideas, while also remaining realistic in setting goals that are attainable for her peers. Farrell supervises interns, runs a buddy program for older students to interact with younger students as mentors, and runs the FeedMore program within the school to address food insecurity. Piper credited Farrell for her ability to recognize food insecurity in students and normalizes the concept of providing help to meet students’ needs, both in terms of addressing food insecurity, but also with gifts around the holidays.

Piper did not hesitate in defining Farrell as “one of the best hires Fredonia has ever had.”

Farrell attended the meeting with her parents. She gave thanks to the district for all the support she has received from the district over her time at Fredonia.

“It has just been a joy to work here. I have so many opportunities to learn and grow,” Farrell said. “… I highly recommend working at Fredonia to anyone. I’m very happy here.”

Zilliox said to Farrell, “Well done, Cassie. Thank you for everything that you’ve done. We truly appreciate all your efforts.”

Following Farrell’s tenure appointment, the Board then granted tenure to Goff, a Music Teacher. Goff was leading a concert while the Board granted her tenure.

Zilliox spoke to the high bar of the Fredonia music department, and credited Goff for maintaining the standard that Fredonia has set.

“I remember when Alex came in to interview, everybody was very impressed, and she — much like Cassie — has delivered on all of that. She has continued the tradition of Fredonia music being really strong,” Zilliox said. He characterized Goff’s instruction as “upbeat, welcoming, and friendly.”

Dr. Margie Wright, Chief Officer for Curriculum and Human Resources, said that she was impressed with Goff’s “dedication and commitment to the youngest musicians.” Wright commended Goff for introducing music to young students and fostering their love for music.

“Alex is a wonderful, wonderful addition to the music department,” she said.

The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.