From left, Frewsburg Central School District Board of Education Vice President Polly Hanson, acting Superintendent Tiffany Frederes, and Board President Michael LeBaron conduct business Wednesday. P-J photo By Michael Zabrodsky

FREWSBURG – The Frewsburg Central School District was quick to hire an interim superintendent.

At a very brief Wednesday meeting, held in the middle-high school library, 26 Institute St., Board of Education President Michael LeBaron said the district has hired Lynda M. Quick to replace Dr. Danielle Cook, who resigned her position on Oct 24.

LeBaron noted Quick was to begin Thursday.

The decision, LeBaron added, to appoint an interim superintendent reflects the board’s focus on steady district leadership and rebuilding trust following a challenging start to the school year.

“Lynda brings exactly what our district needs right now — experience in the field and a confident approach to leadership,” LeBaron said in a written statement. “She’s led school systems of every size and complexity, and her background gives us a steady hand during this transition.”

LeBaron said the board’s immediate focus is on re-establishing stability and consistency across the district.

“We feel like she is the person we need to bring stability to our district,” LeBaron said after the meeting.

After a period of administrative turnover, he noted that Quick’s leadership will help Frewsburg regain its footing and refocus on its core mission — supporting students, empowering staff, and moving forward with renewed energy and purpose.

Reflecting on the board’s recent efforts, LeBaron acknowledged that the past several months have tested district residents’ patience and resolve.

Cook had been on paid leave since June, when the school board suspended her, and John McLaughlin, the district’s buildings and grounds maintenance supervisor.

At a special Sept. 26 meeting, after an executive session, the school board took action to terminate John McLaughlin from his position effective Sept. 25. Also in June, Tiffany Frederes was appointed acting superintendent.

“It’s been a challenging stretch for our board of education,” LeBaron continued in the written statement. “We met countless times over the summer and took the time needed to make the right decisions. Our goal was never to move fast — it was to do things the right way. Today, our board is unified and focused on one goal – getting this district back on stable ground and moving forward together.”

LeBaron also expressed gratitude to the Frewsburg community for its patience and understanding.

“We know how frustrating it’s been to see so much of this process take place in executive session,” he said in the statement.

Lebaron noted that the discussions had to remain confidential for legal reasons, but wanted to let community members know how much the board appreciated their trust and patience.

According to the statement, Quick, brings more than 30 years of educational and legal leadership experience across Western New York, and is excited to begin work in the district.

“I am excited to be a part of the Frewsburg Central School District during this period of transition,” Quick said in the statement. “The district provides great opportunities for its students and is a source of pride for families and residents. I hope my experience as a superintendent will assist the district in moving forward with the important work already underway while the Board completes the search for a new superintendent.”

Before serving as Superintendent of Wheatland-Chili Central School District, she led Skaneateles Central School District and served as District Superintendent of the Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming BOCES, where she oversaw more than 100 programs serving 22 component school districts. Her background also includes roles as Deputy Superintendent for the Rochester City School District and Assistant Superintendent for CAEW BOCES.

A licensed attorney in both New York and Ohio, Quick holds certifications as a school district administrator and school business administrator, and has extensive experience in labor relations, policy development, and instructional leadership. She is a member of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, American Association of School Administrators, and the New York State Bar Association.

Quick’s contract will expire July 1, 2026.

LeBaron said the district will begin its search for a superintendent very soon.

In a related matter, LeBaron said the investigation with Joshua Gilevski is continuing.

The school board placed Gilevski on administrative leave in September. According to frewsburgcsd.org, Gilevski serves as the coordinator of student affairs.

LeBaron said at the board’s Oct. 10 meeting that Gilevski was not charged with anything, but the district is investigating something that pertains to his position.