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Fredonia grants tenure to three teachers

Board of Education Vice President Sheila Hahn could hardly contain her excitement at a recent meeting as it came time to address district personnel on the agenda.

The reason why is because three Fredonia teachers -- Julie (Arnold) Sanders, Erin Lamp, and Samantha Gambino -- earned tenure. Hahn called it "the highlight" of the meeting.

"With all three of these candidates, we are extremely excited and grateful for all their efforts, energy and time over the last several years in truly earning tenure," Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said.

Sanders holds Professional Certifications in Physical Education, Health Education, School Building Leader, and School District Leader. Her tenured status as a Physical Education Teacher took effect Oct. 20.

"Julie embodies what we all look for in a great teacher," High School Principal Ron Tonelli said. "She loves her content; she connects with her students; she creates new opportunities for students to engage in the class. She goes above and beyond her teaching duties, making physical education consistently feel new and fresh."

Sanders grew up in Fredonia as an exemplary student athlete, starring as a catcher on the varsity softball team that took three straight trips to the state finals from 2007-2009. Former Principal Darrin Paschke said, "There are kids who go through that are really good at academics, or they are really good with a sport ... she excelled at just about everything she did."

Sanders then moved on to play collegiate softball at SUNY Brockport, where she graduated and later became a Physical Education Teacher at Brocton Central School. She also served as the school's varsity softball coach, and later served as Athletic Director. She then took a job at Williamsville North High School as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director after she graduated from Canisius College with her Master's Degree and Administration Certification.

Sanders returned to Fredonia in 2023 to fill the shoes of her own former Physical Education Teacher throughout high school, Lisa Johnston, who retired after 19 years with the district.

"It's definitely an honor to serve the community and youth where I grew up," Sanders said. "I take great pride in being a phys. ed. teacher, health teacher, and coach. To be able to give back to the community that helped me get on the path where I currently am is a great honor. ... I'm hoping that this is my forever home."

Lamp holds Professional Certification in English To Speakers Of Other Languages and Initial Certification in English Language Arts (Grades 7-12). Her tenured status as an English as a New Language Teacher is effective Oct. 27.

Lamp, a Fredonia resident, came to the district from Brocton Central School in 2023. She brought eight years of experience in English as a New Language (ENL) services to the role, and has excelled at Fredonia for the past three years.

"I feel so grateful to have worked in the district that is my home and is my children’s home," Lamp said. "I have the best department and such supportive administration, and I get to work with the most amazing families. I feel very blessed."

Elementary Principal Mark Drollinger called Lamp "the teacher who always puts kids first." He highlighted her dedication to making sure children are taken care of before focusing on content.

Wheelock Principal Amy Piper called Lamp a great representation of the nurturing culture of Wheelock. "Erin always has a smile and a positive word for anyone she encounters," Piper said.

Director of Special Education Kristen Ferro said that Lamp always has "very thoughtful and very important" conversations regarding her students. Ferro called Lamp "a really remarkable contributor" and said she is honored to work with her.

Gambino holds Professional Certifications in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2), and Students With Disabilities (Grades 1-6). Her tenured status as a Special Education Teacher is effective Nov. 12.

Just as Sanders and Lamp did, Gambino joined Fredonia in 2023 from another district. She previously worked at the Cassadaga Valley Central School District.

"I love to be a part of the community where my kids go to school. It was a big leap when I switched, and it's just been really fantastic," Gambino said. "I get to work with amazing people."

Zilliox said Gambino "brings a calm, confident, welcoming, pleasant attitude every day. That does not change, and I think that consistency and that energy that she brings to her classroom really makes a difference for the students that she serves."

Ferro said she was honored to recommend Gambino for tenure, defining her as kind, loving, really smart, and someone she admires. "Her kids are all celebrated for their unique traits and successes. She supports them as a leader in our district," Ferro said.

Zilliox added that all three teachers "definitely produced and delivered" on everything they said they were capable of during the interview process.