OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen From left to right: Fredonia Board of Education members Brian Aldrich, Aaron Marshall, and Sheila Hahn listen as new staff members of Fredonia describe their first few months with the District.

A few of the recent hires at the Fredonia Central School District this school year were welcomed at a recent Board of Education meeting to discuss how the year has gone so far.

Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox addressed the group before welcoming members to speak. Among those to speak were Teachers Elizabeth Bumpus, Sebastian Guerra, Kourtney Krchniak, Mimi Joint, Stacey Wallace, and Social Worker Ella Wiggers. The introduction presentation lasted just shy of 10 minutes and was well-received by the Board.

“This was a great idea. We should make this a tradition every fall,” Board of Education President Steve Johnston said. He then thanked the employees who attended the meeting and offered them an opportunity to sneak out before the regular meeting continued.

Later at the recent meeting, the Board of Education approved tenure status for Frank Briandi, a Physical Education Teacher at the Elementary School. Briandi expressed his gratitude for the District’s support in a letter addressed to the Board of Education.

Zilliox characterized Briandi as calm, cool and confident, with “a great energy and attitude about what he does.” Zilliox credited Briandi for walking the line between taking his job seriously and willing to have fun while relating to students.

Elementary Principal Mark Drollinger recommended Briandi for tenure. “Tenure is very important. We don’t take these things lightly, but I wholeheartedly recommend Frank for approval,” Drollinger said.

The District also made several new appointments. Kaitlyn Hart was hired to the 10-month position of Food Service Helper; Wendy Reed was hired to the 12-month position of Cleaner; and Olivia Erbacher was hired to the 12-month position of Clerk II. Additionally, Jeff Trawinski was appointed as Chemical Hygiene Officer for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Board also approved six per diem substitutes, including lifeguard Bennett Shephard, teacher aide and clerical substitute Leah Hinds Morrison, and teachers Lindsey Meka, Justine Bloom, Gabriella Domenico, and Julia Drees, who can also substitute as a teaching assistant.

Four coaches were approved for the winter sports season, including Unified Bowling Coach Lori Zebraski and volunteer assistant basketball coaches Eric Swoyer, Mike Tramuta, and Greg Haight.

Four university students were approved for fieldwork, observations, internships, and/or student teaching: Chayne Turo, Joseph Newton, Jacob Peterson, and Marisa Zoerb.

Three resignations were accepted by the District, including Brianna Browning, Teacher Aide; Virginia Lawson, Food Service Helper; and Yirlanny Villalobos Leon, Cook Manager.

The Board also approved an emergency transportation contract between the District and WNY Bus Company for the period of Oct. 12 through Nov. 12 at a cost of $428 per day. Another contract, which would cover the rest of the school year, is anticipated as an action item at a later meeting.

The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m.