OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Andy Dykes, a Fredonia Central School District Cleaner, is retiring this year after 40 years of service to the district. Dykes, right, is pictured receiving a certificate of appreciation from Director of Special Education Kristen Ferro.

The Fredonia Central School District said goodbye to several employees at a recent meeting. Among them was Andy Dykes, a Cleaner at the district for the past four decades.

Director of Special Education Kristen Ferro thanked Dykes for his service to the district and presented him with a certificate of appreciation. Ferro characterized Dykes as steadfast, loyal, hardworking, dedicated, friendly, genuine, and one of the kindest people who walks through the doors of the district.

Middle School Principal Jamie Polhamus added, “Andy is a dedicated and conscientious hard worker at the middle school … always checking in with each of our offices, checking in with the teachers, making sure everything is perfect. We very much appreciate your service to our building. Big shoes to fill.”

Dykes is contracted through the Resource Center’s Supported Employment program. Ferro said to Dykes, “You have been the best illustration of inclusion and productivity partnership in the community. Your years of work here are deeply appreciated.”

After receiving his certificate, praise and a round of applause, Dykes said, “Thank you very much, folks. I’m so happy. I’m off to retiring.”

Two other employees who are set to retire this summer were recognized at the recent meeting, Karen Clemens, Teacher Aide, and Sandy Forbes, Clerk II. Forbes, like Dykes, was in attendance at the recent meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said that in her various roles at the district over her tenure, Forbes has always managed to keep a smile on her face.

“I think you will go down as one of the sweetest individuals to work in our district,” Zilliox said. “You’ve always been extremely helpful and go out of your way to do whatever you can to help assist and accommodate. Everybody has really appreciated not only everything that you have done, but the energy and attitude in which you’ve done it. Please know we recognize all of that, and truly are grateful to have had you as an employee here.”

Polhamus added that Forbes is “the welcoming face” in the school’s counseling office. She called Forbes “the kindest heart and soul” in the office, always listening and showing empathy to those who come to speak with her. Polhamus called Forbes’ role “a huge void” the district will need to fill.

Zilliox also added that Clemens is “an excellent Teacher Aide in the Elementary School”, and wished her “the best of luck” in retirement.

The Board of Education also accepted six additional resignations at the recent meeting, including four teachers set to leave the district before the next school year: Connor Pellicane, Lori Addington, Ivy Krenzer, and Kristen Terreri. Also resigning were Ann See, Clerk II, and Andrew Camp, Teacher Aide.

“We appreciate what each of those individuals has done for the district,” Zilliox said. “Best of luck to everybody in the next phase of their life.”

Zilliox specifically highlighted Terreri’s work with the district’s Music Department, stating that she “really elevated the student experience here on a number of levels.”