OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Laura Burnside, a Fredonia resident and graduate, will return to her home district as a School Psychologist.

The Fredonia Central School District has finally filled its Elementary School Psychologist vacancy, and the district didn’t have to look far to find the right fit.

Laura Burnside, a Fredonia resident, will be joining her home district to accept a School Psychologist position at Fredoniwa Elementary School. Burnside is professionally certified as a School Psychologist and is currently serving in that role at the Dunkirk City School District. She will begin at Fredonia on July 1, with a salary to be determined based on her prior experience.

Burnside originally joined the Dunkirk City School District in 2007. Her husband, Andrew (AJ) Burnside, is the former Athletic Director at Dunkirk. Laura Burnside is a Fredonia High School graduate herself, as well as a Fredonia parent.

“I have had nothing but fabulous experiences as a student and a parent, and I’m just thrilled to be a part of the staff now,” Burnside said. “I’m just happy to be home.”

Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said he is happy to have a Fredonia graduate return to the district, especially one as experienced as Burnside. Zilliox said that when Burnside expressed interest in the position, her experience showed throughout the interview process. He said Burnside has a “fantastic skill set” that will “pay dividends across the board.”

At Fredonia, Burnside will work closely with Elementary Principal Mark Drollinger and Director of Special Education Kristen Ferro. They each celebrated the district’s decision to hire Burnside to the open position.

“Laura is the candidate who will immediately lift our building up,” Drollinger said. “We’ve had a vacancy for a while in the Elementary School, so I’m very happy to have that filled, especially with somebody who’s going to stay here for the long-term.”

Ferro said that Burnside “clearly emerged as the front-runner” of what she defined as a “really robust interview process”. Ferro said she is “thrilled” to have her on board and can’t wait to see her impact on the district.

Dr. Margie Wright, Chief Officer for Curriculum and Human Resources, spoke with Burnside already about ideas for the district. Wright said, “We are ecstatic to be able to have Laura as part of our Fredonia family.”

The Board also approved Debra Martin for 400 hours of fieldwork in the 2026-27 school year under the direction of School Social Worker Cassie Farrell.

Dan Bittinger was appointed as the 2026 Summer Driver Education instructor. Ryan Walker was approved as a volunteer assistant coach with the modified baseball team. Alana Holt, Simon Davis, and Emmalyn Brosious were approved as per diem substitutes.

A field trip request from the Fredonia High School Drama Club to visit New York City, Sept. 17-20, was also approved at no cost to the district. Fundraising opportunities are available to students, as well as sponsorships from outside entities to cover the cost.

The Board also passed a resolution approving the tentative 2026-2027 BOCES Administrative Budget in the amount of $4,204,103. The Board cast its votes for incumbent members Thomas DeJoe, David Lowrey, Christine Schnars, Jeff Chase, and Kimberly Higgins to serve three-year terms on the Erie II BOCES Board.

“All the candidates seem to have been successful and are doing a nice job, and are looking to continue their great work. I appreciate them being willing to do so,” Zilliox said.

The next regular Board of Education meeting – which will include the annual budget hearing – will be held on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.