Foley will leave her role of Early Childhood Teacher at the Wheelock Early Childhood Center on July 1 after 40 years of service. The Fredonia Board of Education reluctantly accepted her retirement resignation at its recent meeting.

Foley said of her role at Wheelock at a meeting over two years ago, “We’re just blessed to have an opportunity in this school district to be able to do what we know is right. We teach the way children need to learn.”

Foley was a finalist for the New York State Teacher of the Year award, given by New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) in 2023. She was nominated by Wheelock Principal Amy Piper, who later presented Foley with a banner to recognize the honor.

“Ellen is one of a kind. It’s magical to go into her classroom and watch her get down on the level with the kids and reach them, and connect with them, and listen to them,” Piper said. “They feel heard. She just brings every child to their utmost level. We love you, Ellen.”

OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Wheelock Principal Amy Piper presented a banner to Ellen Foley, left, at a Fredonia Board of Education meeting to celebrate Foley being named a New York State Teacher of the Year finalist.

Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox commended Foley for her enthusiasm, energy, positivity, and the “absolute belief” in early childhood education and public schools, which he has witnessed firsthand whenever he visits her classroom at the Wheelock campus.

“It’s pretty impressive to watch, and you really get the sense that this is a master teacher that’s in the classroom. She certainly has had a huge impact in the district,” Zilliox said. “… We appreciate very much all that Ellen has done. Thank you, Ellen. She will certainly be missed.”

Fredonia Teachers Association President Michelle Greenough called Foley “an institution in Fredonia” and a “master teacher”. She spoke to the impact that Foley’s connection with nature has on her students.

“That passion and love for nature and for children is evident in everything that she does,” Greenough said.

Like countless parents throughout the past four decades, Board Vice President Lisa Fortna and Board member Aaron Marshall each had children in Foley’s class. They both spoke fondly of their experiences.

“I feel very fortunate that they had that opportunity and received that excitement, that connection to nature,” Fortna said. “… She certainly will be missed, and she has a special place in my heart for her time with my children.”

Marshall said, “I think the district is super lucky, at such a young age — because it’s critical at the youngest ages — to have somebody that is wonderful.”

They each did not want to make the motion to accept her resignation, and instead, Sheila Hahn and Jerry Kinney made the motion before it was approved by all four members in attendance.

The Board of Education also appointed Kelsey Mosier as a Certified Occupational Therapist. Mosier will begin on April 20 with a one-year provisional period.

“I’m really excited to have her on board,” said Director of Special Education Kristen Ferro.

Mosier said from staff to students, every interaction she has had with Fredonia has been positive so far. “You guys have been wonderful to work with. I’m just so excited to be a part of the team and to help the students here at Fredonia school district,” Mosier said.

The Board approved a leave of absence for Stepheney Lysek, Teacher Aide, through the remainder of the school year. Joanne Ryan was granted permanent status as a Food Service Helper. The hours of Elizabeth Ocasio, Food Service Helper, were adjusted, as well.

Five per diem substitutes were also Board-approved: Caitlyn Hampe, Classified Teacher Aide and Non-Certified Teacher; Savannah Salim, Non-Certified Teacher; Kristen Gronquist, Non-Certified Teacher Assistant and Classified Teacher Aide; Elias Giuliano, Certified Teacher; and Hilari Flores Valdes, Classified Cleaner.

A Summer Music Lesson Program, under the direction of Instructional Leader Andrew Bennett, was approved by the Board at no cost to the district. Musicians will receive lessons July 7-8, July 14-15, July 21-22, July 28-29, Aug. 4-5, and Aug. 11-12.

The next regular Board of Education meeting will be Tuesday, April 14 at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.