During a special meeting held last week, the Boardman Board of Education hired a new director of operations; and added a supervisor to direct digital education provided by the newly-established Spartan Online Academy.
      Brian Fonderlin was hired as Director Operations and Human Resource, and Edward Admas was named Supervisor of Digital Instruction. Fonderlin’s beginning salary is set at $90,500; while Adams roles in digital education brings a $49,812 annual salary.
      Fonderlin will replace Matt McKenzie who resigned his position effective June 30, 2021. Fonderlin’s 3-year contract begins July 1, 2021.
      Fonderlin, a Boardman resident, is a former owner of a construction business, and currently serves as an Assistant High School Principal in the Niles School District.
      “Brian Fonderlin comes to us with the best of both worlds: he knows buildings, construction and maintenance--as well as all the rigors of school administration, scheduling and personnel,” said Superintendent Tim Saxton.
      In the private sector, he owned and managed Fonderlin Restoration, Inc. for 16 years. His company specialized in new construction of residential and commercial buildings across three states and he also did restoration projects. In the education sector, Fonderlin taught and coached at Jackson Milton Local Schools for 6 years, and most recently has served as assistant principal at Niles McKinley High School.
      “This is a great opportunity for me to serve the community where my children grew up,” said Fonderlin. “I am honored to join the Spartan family, and look forward to getting started.”
      Fonderlin earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Youngstown State University and a masters in Leadership in Educational Administration from Capella University.
      Fonderlin and his wife Barb, who is a guidance counselor at Glenwood Junior High School, have lived in Boardman for more than 20 years, and raised three children here.
      Adams is currently serves as the Boardman Local School District’s STEAM advisor and his role will be expanded to oversee all virtual learning.
      Adams was hired by Boardman Schools in 2018 as the technology teacher at West Boulevard Elementary. He quickly expanded that role, as the overall STEAM coach in the district the following year. Adams has established a hands-on STEAM program at all three elementary schools. He has introduced K-3 students to coding concepts, 3-D printing, and robotics. He also played a critical role as the district transitioned to remote learning during the pandemic.
      “Ed Adams has brought excitement and great ideas to our STEAM instruction, keeping the attention of our youngest Spartans with unique projects,” said Director of Instruction Jared Cardillo. “We are certain he is the right person to guide our new virtual learning academy so that all of our remote students are engaged and learning.”
      Adams earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Youngstown State University, and a masters in Political Science-Security Studies from the University of Akron. He is currently pursuing a second Masters in STEM Curriculum and Instruction at YSU.
      “I’m very excited to enter into this new chapter of my career here in Boardman,” said Adams. “This district has time and again demonstrated a real commitment to understanding how best to use technology to make learning more exciting, engaging, and accessible for our students, and I am truly honored to have the opportunity to help lead this effort.”
      Adams will continue his role as STEAM coach for the district, and also oversee all aspects of the Spartan Online Academy in August. Spartan Online Academy information can be found on the district website.