OBSERVER Photo
by Braden Carmen
Steven Verstraete, School Psychologist, was granted tenure by the Fredonia Central School District at a recent Board of Education meeting.
When Steven Verstraete was first appointed as a School Psychologist at Fredonia Central Schools, he said that he hoped he found his “forever home.”
It appears that he has.
At a recent Board of Education meeting, the Fredonia Central School District awarded tenure to Verstraete, effective Nov. 1.
Verstraete possesses permanent certification in School Psychology. Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox commended Verstraete’s ability to de-escalate conflict and his focus on mental health. Zilliox said Verstraete brings “a calm, soothing confidence to the table” to benefit the District.
See TENURE,
Verstraete has supported all four levels of the District, but primarily works at the High School level. High School Principal Darrin Paschke said of Verstraete, “His expertise is unparalleled. He is fantastic with our staff and our students.”
Director of Special Education Kristen Ferro called Verstraete a great communicator with a highly refined skill set. A former School Psychologist herself, Ferro added that Verstraete is often “the voice of reason” in difficult conversations and is “steadfast in his support for students and staff.”
Verstraete brought plenty of experience to his role at Fredonia, but in his time with the District, he believes he has grown as a School Psychologist.
“Coming into this District, with the support that I have received over the years, it really has enabled me to grow as a professional to get back to my roots as a School Psychologist, to really apply what I have learned elsewhere and actually help provide some of that benefit to the District,” Verstraete said. “I am very happy to be here.”
Additionally, two open teaching positions within the District were filled at the recent Board of Education meeting, and the new hires represent opposite ends of the spectrum regarding experience.
Loretta Lucie, a retired Special Education Teacher, was hired to a three-year probationary teaching position in the Special Education tenure area. Zilliox noted that Lucie, who taught previously at Westfield Academy, recognized she “still had a lot to give” in the field of education. After coming across the job posting several times, she felt the “universe was speaking to her.”
To fill an opening in the Middle School Science Department, the District selected Gregory Holmberg. While he is in the process of obtaining his official certification, Holmberg will work as a full-time, long-term substitute teacher. Holmberg came to the District from SUNY Fredonia, and has worked as a student teacher at Fredonia High School.
“We are excited to have him join our team,” said Middle School Principal Jamie Polhamus. “With his drive and enthusiasm, he is a hard worker and he is committed to this work. He is excited to begin.”
Eight university students were approved for fieldwork, observations, internships, and/or student teaching for the 2024-2025 school year: Alexandria Battaglia, Brian Taylor, Lauren Bellardini, Maria Bonvissuto, Victoria Streicher, Annika Lizardi, Julia Drees, and Carissa Girolamo. All eight students will begin their work with the District in 2025.
The Board also approved its 2024 Winter Sports coaches, featuring 18 coaches across various sports including basketball, bowling, cheerleading, indoor track, swimming, and wrestling.
The District also accepted the resignation of School Secretary Samantha Heitz, effective Oct. 25.
The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.