OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen
Darrin Paschke will retire from his role as Fredonia High School Principal at the end of the school year.
Darrin Paschke is as Fredonia as it gets. He grew up in Fredonia, went to Fredonia schools, and has spent his entire career in the orange and black. At the end of the school year, that career comes to a close.
Paschke had his letter of resignation for the purpose of retirement approved at the latest Board of Education meeting.
“I’m not sure anybody is more Fredonia than Darrin Paschke,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox.
Board of Education President Steve Johnston said Paschke is the definition of a fixture at a school, and it is hard to argue his point.
Paschke graduated from Fredonia High School in the mid-1980s and stayed home to attend SUNY Fredonia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He later returned to SUNY Fredonia for his master’s degree in mathematics, then earned his educational leadership and administration certificate from SUNY Fredonia in 2012.
Paschke student-taught at Fredonia before receiving his first teaching job. He taught mathematics at Fredonia for over 23 years before he took on the role of High School Principal in Feb. 2016. He has also served as the leader of the Fredonia Teachers’ Association and the Fredonia Administrators’ Association.
Nine years after becoming High School Principal, Paschke decided it was time to retire at the end of June. “It’s a challenge to think that I won’t be here next year,” Paschke said. “It’s been my life, and an honor.”
In Paschke’s time as High School Principal, Fredonia received the National Blue Ribbon award from the United States Department of Education during the 2019-2020 school year. Fredonia has also become a fixture at the top of its class in all areas of competition, from athletics, music, and the student newspaper, the Spectator.
Fredonia has won multiple Section VI championships in sports across all three seasons; Fredonia has been named a Best Community for Music Education from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) every year for more than a decade; and Fredonia has won the Best High School Newspaper award in multiple competitions in recent years. Even with more than four months remaining in Paschke’s final year, Fredonia has already boasted a State Champion athlete, diver Elizabeth Pucci-Schaefer, and the Spectator won another award for Best High School Newspaper.
“Darrin has a student-first attitude, and absolutely has gone above and beyond to support our faculty and staff,” Zilliox said.
Members of the Board of Education expressed their regret for accepting Paschke’s resignation in recognition of his impact on the District. Board member Sheila Hahn defined Paschke as hardworking, innovative, open minded, and fair. Hahn also said Paschke shows love for his students, inspires confidence, and is “someone of great warmth.”
Zilliox said to Paschke, “This District is extremely thankful, proud, and grateful for everything that you’ve done across the board. Know that it is very much appreciated and you will very much be missed.”
Paschke recalled one of his first interactions with Zilliox, who had just moved to the area after taking the job as Superintendent. Zilliox needed a ride home after dropping off the U-Haul he rented for the move, and it was Paschke who he turned to.
It comes as no surprise that Paschke answered the call.