OBSERVER Photo by Ron Szot Carol Zirkle celebrates with the Fredonia Lady ‘Billies girls basketball team during a game at Buffalo State University. Zirkle won four Sectional Championships over 17 years as head coach.

Two more Fredonia teachers recently submitted their retirement resignations. Jill Putnam and Carol Zirkle will be moving on once the year comes to an end. The Fredonia Board of Education approved both retirement resignations with regret at its latest meeting.

Putnam, an Elementary Teacher, retires from the district after 27 years. Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox defined Putnam as “the consummate professional.” He credited her for being polite, friendly and welcoming, with a strong work ethic. Although mild mannered, Putnam is not afraid to advocate for her students’ needs.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Jill. She has been a cornerstone of the Elementary School for multiple years,” Zilliox said.

Almost everyone can think back to their youth and remember a teacher that stands out in their mind. Elementary School Principal Mark Drollinger said that many former students will think of Putnam as that teacher who impacted them.

Drollinger met Putnam during the pandemic, and at a time when many teachers and administrators did not know what to do, Putnam did. Drollinger recalled Putnam’s “Amazing Race”, an activity throughout the village of Fredonia that encouraged students to get out in the community while others stayed indoors for days at a time.

“Her creativity from that day on hasn’t changed,” Drollinger said, noting Putnam’s class project of raising caterpillars to become butterflies, along with various technologies she has integrated over the years.

“For those reasons, people aren’t going to forget Jill. She’ll be replaced, but never forgotten,” Drollinger said.

Zirkle, a High School Geometry Teacher, retires from the district after 26 years. Zilliox said Zirkle has “a strong presence” at Fredonia High School. He credited Zirkle for doing “a fantastic job” preparing students for Regents and AP exams.

High School Principal Ron Tonelli said when he got familiar with the district’s various departments after taking over his role this past summer, it was clear that Geometry did not need any adjustments.

“Our scores are always high. Carol has always had high expectations in her classroom, and kids rise to meet those expectations,” Tonelli said.

Zilliox said that Zirkle’s strong personality lets everyone know exactly where she stands on any given topic. “She’s not afraid to take a position, she’s not afraid to advocate, and she’s not afraid to necessarily have an opinion that is different from others,” Zilliox said. “Thanks to Carol. She will be missed, and we appreciate her work in the district.”

As dedicated as she was as a teacher, Zirkle’s legacy is defined by her time as a coach. Zirkle has served as a cross country coach and a basketball coach at multiple levels, including now as the Unified Basketball Coach.

Zirkle is also one of the most accomplished head coaches in Chautauqua County history as a varsity girls basketball coach. Zirkle won four Sectional Championships in 17 years, including in her final season in 2017-18.

While basketball often got the most attention, Zirkle was every bit as dedicated as a cross country coach, often as the loudest cheerleader for her runners as they made countless trips to the State Championships. Zirkle was instrumental in the success of Emily Brown – one of Fredonia’s all-time greatest athletes – who later went on to compete at the top of Division I collegiate athletics, first at Pittsburgh, then at Florida State.

“I appreciate the work that she’s put in for our students and student-athletes here at Fredonia. I wish her nothing but the best,” Tonelli said.

The Board also approved the resignation of Katherine Friend, a Teacher Aide, effective Feb. 27, and the termination of Heather Kennedy, a Food Service Helper, effective Jan. 30.

Christina Billittier was appointed as an Extended Leave Substitute, effective Feb. 18. Owen Ludwig, Molly Greenough, Marisa Polvino and Avery Boyles were appointed as per diem substitutes. Haleigh Miller was appointed as a permanent Teacher Aide, effective Feb. 15.

A series of university students were approved for fieldwork and/or observations under the direction of Fredonia teachers Naomi Pierce, Jeni Wilson, Kristen Vogt, Erin Guiffreda, Maggie Snyder, and Melissa Putney.

Julia Hammon was appointed as a School Psychologist Intern at the Wheelock School for the 2026-2027 school year. Hammon will receive a $12,000 stipend under the SE 611 Grant and will work under the supervision of Amy Piper.

The district is also looking to fill a number of vacancies, including a School Psychologist and a Speech Therapist. Applications can be submitted online. For more information, contact the District Clerk’s office or visit the school website.

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