Two new teachers will be joining the Fredonia Central School District this fall. Elizabeth Kowalski is the district’s newest Mathematics Teacher, and Hannah Rich is the newest Fredonia Music Teacher.

Kowalski is professionally certified in Mathematics Grades 7-12 with an extension for Grades 5-6. She studied at Canisius University, with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Canisius. She has taught at several other districts prior to coming to Fredonia.

“We’re just excited to have an experienced person coming onboard,” Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said. He referenced the amount of experience leaving the district’s Mathematics Department this year due to retirements.

Middle School Principal Jamie Polhamus added, “I think Elizabeth is going to be an excellent addition to the team. We’re very excited to have her.”

Rich is a recent graduate of SUNY Fredonia’s School of Music, where she graduated with honors and music proficiency of several instruments. She had initial Music teaching certification, and student-taught at Brocton and Bemus Point.

Zilliox characterized Rich as “very sharp, very enthusiastic, and very poised for someone her age.”

Polhamus added, “Hannah (Rich) exudes a ton of positive energy and is passionate about music in all facets. … I think she’s going to be another excellent addition to the team. We’re very excited.”

While two new teachers are joining the district, two more are on the way out. The Board recently accepted resignations from Erin Henry and Alexei Carstensen. Henry, a Sixth Grade Teacher, resigns effective Aug. 31, while Carstensen, a Special Education Teacher, resigns effective July 7.

The Board also rescinded the appointment of Emma Brown, a recently hired Math Teacher. Brown no longer intends to join the district after being appointed on May 5.

Two Food Service Helpers – Kathleen Buchanan and Joanne Ryan – also recently resigned from the district. Carrie Schafer, Teacher Aide, was granted unpaid leave, effective May 11.

Kelsey Mosier was appointed as a Certified Occupational Therapist, carrying a one-year probationary period beginning on April 20. Mosier was provisionally hired initially while working toward meeting the civil service requirements of the role.

The district also granted permanent appointment status to two Teacher Aides: Ryan Williams, effective May 21, and Kaitlyn Krystofiak, effective June 4. Additionally, Karen Cuddy Miller was appointed as Interim CSE Chair, with an hourly rate of $85, effective May 22.

Four per diem substitute teachers were appointed by the Board, including Heidi Tresler, Madison Nappo, Ethan Leid, and Oishei Ghosh. Three additional per diem substitutes were also recently appointed, including Tommy Roque, Teacher Aide; Yosuam Robles, Cleaner; and Sophia Noecker, Lifeguard.

Eight university students were approved for fieldwork assignments, including Ashton Jane, Makayla Mascio, Fiona Guida, Kevina Drennan, Allison VanVlack, Rylyn Tunstall, Victoria Iskra, and Ethan Smith.

The next Fredonia Board of Education meeting will be on Tuesday, June 23 at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.