OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox is encouraged by recent proposals by Governor Kathy Hochul for increased aid to schools in New York State.

Recent comments by Gov. Kathy Hochul left the Fredonia Central School District feeling optimistic about what is to come.

Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox highlighted recent figures shared by Hochul that benefit schools across the State, including a 4.7% increase in school aid. Hochul is eyeing an increase of $1.5 billion in foundation aid, which Zilliox called “encouraging.” Zilliox noted that districts across the state were given a guarantee of at least a 2% increase from last year’s figures.

Moving forward, the State will be relying on Poverty Index calculations to determine aid figures, rather than relying on free and reduced lunch participants from each district.

The state also will be shifting its process for gauging attendance, which will be broken down into four levels, beginning at Level 1 of below 85%, up to Level 4 of over 95% attendance. The process will also exclude new students moving into a district for the first 30 days of attending a school. Zilliox referred to the shift as a positive move from the State.

Fredonia is attempting to improve attendance in several ways, including a mentorship “buddy” program that pairs high school students with elementary students.

One former role model from the District was recently approved for hire by the Board of Education at its latest meeting. Former Fredonia softball star Jordan Lucas was approved as a per diem substitute Teacher, Teaching Assistant, and Teacher Aide. Lucas is currently attending St. Bonaventure University on a Division I softball scholarship with a major in psychology. Lucas often spoke about her desire to serve as a role model for the next generation of Fredonia students to follow in her footsteps.

The District updated its rate of pay for substitute Teaching Assistants for the 2024-2025 school year to account for the statewide increase to minimum wage. Uncertified Teaching Assistants begin at a rate of $15.50 per hour; Teaching Assistants in Tier 2 receive $15.60 per hour; and Certified Teaching Assistants receive $15.70 per hour. The increases are retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025. The District also established a mileage reimbursement rate of $0.669 per mile, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025.

Joanne Ryan and Tammy Breth were appointed to probationary Food Service Helper positions, with one-year probationary terms. Salaries are determined by the CSEA contract. Food Service Helpers Suzanne Near and Shirley Duguay were approved for permanent status of employment set to commence within the month of February.

The Board also approved three overages — two retroactive to this past September — for teachers in the district. Shannon Marsh and Suzanne Knowlton were retroactively approved for overages in the English as a New Language subject area. Physical Education Teacher Vincent Gullo was approved for an overage, effective Jan. 27 through June 13.

The District recently accepted the resignation of Aaron Smith, Cleaner, effective Jan. 10. The probationary appointment of Christian Ambrosioni was amended to reflect a start date of Jan. 10.

An intramural program proposal for a Tech Club led by Nicole Kane and Margaret Gray was also approved.

The Fredonia Trap Team was approved to attend the New York State Championships on June 6-7 at the Bridgeport Rod and Gun Club in Cicero, just north of Syracuse. Parents/guardians are asked to drive students or carpool with other members of the team. All costs — including lodging — will be covered by team parents/guardians or through fundraising. No costs will be incurred by the District.

The Board also adjourned its regular meeting to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel and collective bargaining agreements.

The next regular meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m.