BOARDMAN — The Spartan team continues to grow after two more candidates were hired by the Boardman Board of Education.

Edward Adams was appointed supervisor of digital instruction, and Brian Fonderlin as director of operations and human resources.

The board took the actions last week. Fonderlin will be paid $90,500 annually and Adams $49,812.

Adams will transition from the district’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) adviser. He was hired into the district in 2018 as a technology teacher at West Boulevard Elementary School, then evolved into the STEAM coach for the district in 2019.

“I’m very excited to enter into this new chapter of my career here in Boardman,” Adams said.

In his technology leadership capacity, Adams introduced coding, 3D printing and robotics to elementary students.

“Ed Adams has brought excitement and great ideas to our STEAM instruction, keeping the attention of our youngest Spartans with unique projects,” said Jared Cardillo, director of instruction.

Adams attended Youngstown State University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science; then he earned a master’s degree in political science / security studies from the University of Akron.

He is pursuing a second master’s degree in STEM curriculum and instruction at YSU.

As he continues his role as STEAM coach, Adams will oversee all aspects of the Spartan Online Academy in August.

“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 said.

Fonderlin’s three-year contract will begin July 1. He is succeeding Matt McKenzie, who resigned.

Fonderlin is a former construction business owner, and has most recently served as assistant high school principal at Niles McKinley High School.

“I am honored to join the Spartan family, and look forward to getting started,” Fonderlin said.

While working in the private sector, Fonderlin owned and managed Restoration Inc. for 16 years. The company specialized in new construction of residential and commercial buildings spanning three states.

Wearing his educator hat, Fonderlin taught and coached for six years at Jackson Milton Local Schools.

The chance to work in the community where he and his family live has a special meaning to Fonderlin.

“This is a great opportunity for me to serve in the community where my children grew up,” he said.

Fonderlin and wife Barb have lived in Boardman for more than 20 years, raising three children in the township.

Barb Fonderlin also is part of the Spartan team as a guidance counselor at Boardman Glenwood Junior High School.