The list of new teachers at Fredonia Central Schools next year continues to grow, as several new hires were approved at the latest Board of Education meeting.

Alec Chambers was appointed as the district’s newest Mathematics Teacher, while Kayla Orbaker was appointed as Fredonia’s new Spanish Teacher. The Board also approved two new Career and Technical Education Teachers, including Paige Bernhardt, a Business and Marketing Teacher, as well as Dawn Stewart, a Family and Consumer Science Teacher.

Chambers holds initial certification in Mathematics (Grades 7-12). He will begin a four-year probationary period with Fredonia on Aug. 31, which runs through Aug. 30, 2030. Chambers’ salary will start at Schedule 2-B-27 of the Fredonia Teachers’ Association Contract.

Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said that during Chambers’ interview, the conversation went deeper and heavier than he anticipated. He later learned that Chambers graduated with a degree in Philosophy from the University at Buffalo prior to pursuing a teaching career in mathematics.

“He is definitely an interesting young educator, and I think our students will really gravitate towards him,” Zilliox said.

Orbaker holds professional certification in Spanish (Grades 7-12). She will begin a three-year probationary period with Fredonia on Aug. 31, which runs through Aug. 30, 2029. In recognition of her experience in the field, Orbaker’s salary will start at Schedule 15-M-36 of the Fredonia Teachers’ Association Contract.

Zilliox said that Orbaker was “very impressive” in her interview. She comes to Fredonia with experience in several other districts, including Cassadaga Valley, Bemus Point, and Falconer. She has multiple degrees to her credit, including one from SUNY Fredonia.

“She is extremely student-centered,” Zilliox said. He also described her as “very pleasant, very personable, and very approachable.”

Chambers and Orbaker were appointed to temporary summer positions, along with fellow new hires Elizabeth Kowalski, Hannah Rich, and Leah Dylag.

Zilliox said the district “cast a wide net” in hopes of providing more Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities within the district. In doing so, the district found Bernhardt and Stewart, who Zilliox called “two really unique and well-rounded candidates.”

Bernhardt holds initial certifications in Culinary Careers (Grades 7-12) and Hospitality and Tourism (Grades 7-12). She will begin a four-year probationary period with Fredonia on Aug. 31, which runs through Aug. 30, 2030. Bernhardt’s salary will start at Schedule 2-M-40 of the Fredonia Teachers’ Association Contract.

Zilliox characterized Bernhardt as pleasant and upbeat. She has a Master’s Degree in CTE from Buffalo State University. She has prior experience as a Teacher Aide and Teaching Assistant, and during her interview, she spoke to the perspective that experience gives her coming into the classroom as a teacher.

Stewart holds initial certifications in Family and Computer Sciences and Teacher Education and Training (CTE – Grades 7-12). She will begin a four-year probationary period with Fredonia on Aug. 31, which runs through Aug. 30, 2030. Stewart’s salary will start at Schedule 4-M-36 of the Fredonia Teachers’ Association Contract.

Stewart spent over 20 years in the retail field, and recently held the position of Family and Consumer Science Teacher at the Stanley G. Falk School in Buffalo. She also previously worked at the Summit Center in Erie County. In her interview, Stewart spoke to her ability to make accommodations for all students and work closely with families.

The Board also appointed four per diem substitutes, including Daniela Kucharczak, Jean-Sebastian Church, Karen Clemens, and Karin Vona, a retired Fredonia teacher.

Karen Pennington was hired as a Non-Certified Extended Leave Substitute in English, from July 6 through Aug. 6 at a rate of $41 per hour. Kathryn Friend was appointed as a Teacher Aide for the Special Education Extended School Year Program through Aug. 16. Daniel Sullivan was hired to the newly established position of Extended Leave Printer Substitute, from July 6 through Aug. 31.

The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, July 14 at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.