By
OBSERVER Photo
by Braden Carmen
High School Principal Darrin Paschke, pictured, called the resignation of School Counselor Steven Romans “a gut punch.”
The Fredonia Central School District was dealt a tough blow with a recent resignation, as Steven Romans has stepped down from his role as School Counselor, effective Sept. 6. Romans took a job with another district closer to where he lives.
“Steven has been a huge part of what we’ve been doing in the District over the last several years,” Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said. “… We wish Steven the best and we’re sad to see him go.”
High School Principal Darrin Paschke called Romans’ resignation “a gut punch.” Paschke referred to Romans as the High School’s “go-to person” for many of the District’s needs, and also credited his strong relationships with the students of Fredonia.
“He will be greatly missed, and we look forward to hopefully a fantastic hire to get them up to speed,” Paschke said of the High School needs.
Mike Hirschbeck will be an Extended Leave Substitute to fill the vacancy of Romans through Oct. 1 as the District seeks a full-time replacement. Cathy Cruver was approved as Student Council Adviser, while Lori Addington was approved as Ambassador Club Adviser to fill the other roles vacated by Romans’ departure.
Deb LaBarr was also appointed as a Certified Extended Leave Substitute with the District through Nov. 26. Zilliox called LaBarr “a real asset for the District” with the variety of roles she has held in recent years.
Marissa Boettcher was reappointed as a Long-Term Substitute Middle School Spanish Teacher as she awaits certification from New York State as a full-time teacher. Michelle Brinser was appointed as a Teacher Aide, effective Aug. 27.
The District also approved longtime Food Service Manager Kitty Kubera as a Substitute Food Service Helper upon her retirement. Other District Substitutes approved include Michelle Hamilton, Michelle Meli, and Amber Meli.
Kim Leid has taken over for Kubera as School Food Service Director I. Abbey Whitcher resigned as Clerk II to become a Teaching Assistant.
Ann Johnson resigned from the role of Teaching Assistant, effective immediately; Noah Tarbell resigned as Cleaner, effective Sept. 21; and Cleaner Frank Gustafson resigned as Cleaner for the purpose of retirement, effective Oct. 8.
Willie Clyde was appointed to the probationary position of Building Maintenance Mechanic II, effective Sept. 3. Brian Tadt was appointed as Cleaner, effective immediately. Three Food Service Helpers were appointed effective Aug. 27, including Bradley Dankert, Maria Rivera, and Nancy Fadale.
The official tax warrant for the District was approved with no additional adjustments. The total adjusted budget for the 2024-2025 school year will be $36,428,315, with $750,000 of appropriated funds previously approved by voters in May. The total taxable assessed value of the District as a whole is $172,814,860, with the total township amount due at $17,160,211. Tax penalties of 2% added begin on Oct. 5, with the penalty increasing to an additional 3% beginning Nov. 1.
The District also approved nine different transportation contracts; awarded a bid for musical instruments; and approved its updated Code of Conduct.
The next regular meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.
