Fredonia hires psychologist, four teachers | News, Sports, Jobs

OBSERVER Photo by
Braden Carmen
Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox discussed five new hires at the latest Fredonia Board of Education meeting.

FREDONIA — With the new school year approaching, the Fredonia Central School District finalized its latest wave of new hires at a recent Board of Education meeting. Among the new hires were two Science Teachers, two Special Education Teachers, and a School Psychologist.

Elizabeth Shaw is Fredonia High School’s newest Chemistry Teacher. She attended SUNY Fredonia and obtained a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in teaching. Shaw holds professional certifications in Chemistry (Grades 7-12) and General Science (Grades 7-12 extension).

Shaw came to the district from West Valley. She was previously a long-term substitute at Cassadaga Valley, where she crossed paths with Fredonia’s new High School Principal, Ron Tonelli. He later expressed his excitement that Shaw would be joining the district.

“Thanks for having me. I’m really excited to be here,” Shaw said.

John Giaccio was hired as the district’s newest Middle School Science Teacher. Giaccio is a Binghamton graduate with a master’s degree in adolescent education. He possesses initial certifications in Physics (Grades 7-12), Mathematics (Grades 7-12), and General Science (Grades 7-12 extension – initial extension annotation).

Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox stated that the district is “excited to have that unique combination” of skills in both mathematics and science in Giaccio.

“Thank you so much for the opportunity. I’m really excited to join the Fredonia family,” Giaccio said to the Board of Education.

Alexei Carstensen and Connor Pellicane join the district as Special Education Teachers. Carstensen will teach at the upper levels of the district while Pellicane will work at the Elementary School.

Carstensen holds initial certification in Students with Disabilities (All Grades) and Students with Disabilities (Grades 7-12 – generalist). Carstensen earned his master’s degree at Buffalo State University.

Zilliox said Carstensen was “very impressive in the interview process.” He defined himself as an extrovert. In addition to his qualifications in Special Education, Carstensen has a strong theatre background and hopes to become involved in the district’s productions in the future.

Pellicane, a graduate of Buffalo State University, holds initial certification in Students with Disabilities (All Grades) and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6). Pellicane student taught at both the elementary and high school levels in the Buffalo area. He also has experience as a teacher’s assistant, which Zilliox said offers him “a unique perspective”, especially when working with students with disabilities.

“We look forward to Connor joining us,” Zilliox said. He also noted that Elementary Principal Mark Drollinger expressed his excitement for Pellicane to join the district.

Donna Reed is the new Fredonia Middle School Psychologist. Reed holds permanent certification as a school psychologist. She earned a master’s degree from Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester.

Reed has more than a dozen years of experience in the field that Zilliox described as a “well-rounded background.” She has worked with North Collins, Pine Valley, Cassadaga Valley, Buffalo Hearing and Speech, and BOCES. Director of Special Education Kristen Ferro worked with Reed through BOCES last year. Ferro said Reed has “a strong drive to do good things.”

All five new hires were approved for temporary summer employment prior to their official appointment. Reed will officially begin her probationary role on Sept. 15, while the other four new hires begin Aug. 26.

Also of note, the official tax warrant for the 2025-2026 school year was approved. The collection of taxes shall begin on Sept. 1 and end Nov. 3. The free period runs from Sept. 1 through Oct. 3. An additional 2% interest fee will be added to taxes collected Oct. 4 through Oct. 31, and a 3% interest fee applies from Nov. 1-3.

Additionally, a contract with Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP for fire alarm services was renewed for the Main Street campus at a cost of $9,520 and the Wheelock campus at a cost of $3,243. Bids for musical instruments for the 2025-2026 school year were also approved, including Streetwater, $7,851.48; Music & Arts, $691.81; and Southwest Strings, $3,004.14.

An agreement to enter into a data privacy agreement with the RIC ONE Risk Operations Center was also approved. An updated Code of Conduct for the district was approved, as well.

The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is set for Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. in the high school library.