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Two more new teachers will be joining the Fredonia Central School District this fall. Ajay Cybulski and Cayla Jenkins will both become part of the district on Aug. 31 for the beginning of their four-year probationary appointments as Fredonia teachers.
Cybulski holds Initial Certification in Childhood Education for Grades 1-6. He will join his father, Chris Cybulski, as a Fredonia Elementary School Teacher. Cybulski, like Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox, attended SUNY Brockport.
"Ajay is a very personable and engaging young man. We're very happy to have him joining us," Zilliox said.
Cybulski spoke about creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment during his interview. Elementary Principal Mark Drollinger said he was very impressed with Cybulski's knowledge and skills pertaining to literacy.
Cybulski has experience in several other districts and worked previously as a sports reporter with a degree in Sports Management. He earned his Master's Degree in Childhood Education at Buffalo State University.
"I'm ready to start my career here. I'm looking forward to it," Cybulski said.
Jenkins holds Initial Certifications in Childhood Education for Grades 1-6, Students with Disabilities for Grades 1-6, and Literacy Education from Birth-Grade 12. She will serve as a Special Education Teacher at Fredonia.
Jenkins also has ties to SUNY Brockport, but what stood out above that familiarity to Zilliox was her skills in literacy. She spoke to the importance of building rapport with students and staff to strengthen a sense of community within the school. Zilliox also highlighted her deescalation skills and familiarity with technology in the classroom setting.
"She brings a real nice, well-rounded background," Zilliox said. "... We're happy to have her on board."
Two non-certified, long-term substitute teachers were approved at the recent meeting, as well. Dr. Patricia Noel, a Senior Lecturer from SUNY Fredonia, will serve as an Extended Leave Substitute Science Teacher. John Feldmann will serve as an Extended Leave Substitute in the Speech tenure area. Both will begin their roles on Aug. 31.
"Thank you for this opportunity," Feldmann said. "... I'm excited to start this next chapter of my speech career here at Fredonia School District."
Several others were also appointed at the recent meeting. Kayla Schauman, Clerk II, will begin Aug. 24 on a one-year probationary appointment. Three Teacher Aides – Judith Moon, Tina Raymond, and Shaylynn Waterman – were also appointed to one-year probationary roles, beginning Aug. 31.
Ajay Cybulski, Gabby Domenico, John Feldmann, Cayla Jenkins, Haleigh Miller, and Patricia Noel were also approved for temporary summer positions.
While the district is welcoming more new faces this fall, a series of resignations were also accepted by the Board at its recent meeting. Among those to resign include Amanda Kent, a Teacher, and four Teacher Aides: Cecelia Donisi, Amy Rebmann, Miranda Hitchcock, and Ryan Williams. The Board also accepted what was listed as a termination/resignation of Tim Korzenieski, Building Maintenance Mechanic II.
"We appreciate everything that these people did for the district, all their hard work and dedication. Best of luck as they move on to other things," Zilliox said.
Additionally, the Board rescinded the appointment of Pamela Maslak, Teacher Aide, and Olivia Wiktor, Special Education Teacher, which were approved at previous meetings.
A summer transportation contract with WNY Bus Co. was approved by the Board, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding with Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. to allow Extended School Year students to receive lunches from the COI Summer Food Program. Revisions to the district's Code of Conduct were Board-approved, as well.
The Board also approved several unpaid assistant coaches for the 2026 fall sports season, including Andrew Brautigam with Boys Soccer; Brittany Hennessey, Mary Ivory, and Shannon Marsh with Girls Volleyball; and Shawn Farnham, Chad Mason, Romer Mendez, and Jason Whitfield with Football, pending First Aid/CPR/AED training. A series of university students were also approved for field work under the direction of Andrew Bennett, Music Instructional Leader. Extra-Curricular and Co-Curricular Advisors for the 2026-2027 school year were also approved.
The Board began its meeting with a moment of silence for Frederick "Ferd" Larson, a long-time physical education teacher and cross-
country and track coach, who recently passed away.
The next Fredonia Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.