Board approves new science teacher; superintendent outlines $22 million capital project and 'Leader in Me' rollout

The Fredonia Central School District board approved a personnel appointment on Aug. 26 and received updates on district priorities, facilities work and curriculum initiatives.

Personnel: Lorraine presented the appointment of Shane Murphy to a probationary 7–12 biology teaching position and asked for a motion to bring the item from consent. The board recorded a motion, a second and a voice vote in which "aye" was recorded; the appointment was approved. Speaker comments noted Murphy’s master's from Buffalo State, local substitute teaching experience and coaching background. Jackie Venahan’s appointment to a school‑psychologist probationary position was also presented as part of personnel in consent; the transcript indicates personnel was handled in consent but does not include a separate, explicit roll‑call tally for that individual.

Capital and facilities: The superintendent reminded the board that Proposition 1 — described in the transcript as a roughly $22,000,000 capital project — was passed nearly a year earlier and that the work has been divided into phase 1 and phase 2. Phase 1 work expected over the coming year includes roof repairs (Wheelock), two new Wheelock playgrounds, maintenance‑shed work and track resurfacing; air‑handler and roof wear were called out as areas for attention.

'Leader in Me' and staff orientation: Barb Littner, introduced as the district's leadership coach, described a 3–5 year plan to embed the '7 habits' and student leadership across buildings, starting with student‑led kickoffs for high‑school and middle‑school staff. Staff training updates included de‑escalation training for teacher aides and food service helpers and adoption of a phonics program (UPL?Y as transcribed) with staged teacher training.

Votes at a glance: - Agenda approval for the regular meeting (08/26/2025, consent to complete personnel excluding B1 and B2): voice vote recorded as 'aye' — outcome: approved. - Appointment of Shane Murphy (probationary science teacher): voice vote recorded as 'aye' — outcome: approved. - Other personnel items (Jackie Venahan and consent items): presented in consent; transcript does not show a separate recorded roll‑call tally for each individual.

What happens next: Staff will proceed with planned capital‑project preparations and the 'Leader in Me' rollout; personnel appointments will be reflected in district staffing rosters and building assignments.