OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen
Board President Steve Johnston, left, and Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox, right, listen during a recent Fredonia Board of Education meeting.
A common belief in the community is that enrollment is declining at schools in the region, but at a recent Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox shared that is not the case for the Fredonia Central School District.
“People are worried about this idea that our enrollment is decreasing each year, and we have less and less students. That was true earlier in the 2000s. We have stabilized, and we’re even increasing a little bit, but we should be right in this ballpark as we move forward,” Zilliox said.
A year ago, including pre-kindergarten students, the District’s enrollment was 1,475 at the beginning of the year, then down to 1,468 to end the year. This school year, the District is up to 1,493 students, an increase of 18 students from this point a year ago, and up 25 students from the end of last year.
“Although it’s not a huge number, we are actually up from a year ago, and up from the end of last school year,” Zilliox said.
The area that has seen the most growth from last year is the middle school, which is up over 40 students from last year.
“Huge kudos to our students and our staff just for welcoming all of these new kids. … The kids have been great in really embracing all of them,” said Middle School Principal Jamie Polhamus.
As part of the District’s long-term planning, Fredonia has projected enrollment figures to stay “relatively stable” through 2030.
“It’s positive news about the enrollment. To actually have an increase is not very common in this day and age, so that’s nice to see,” said Board of Education President Steve Johnston.
At its recent meeting, the Board of Education was finally able to award probationary status to two teachers who have been classified as long-term substitutes while awaiting State approval of their certifications. Marissa Boettcher is on track for tenure in the field of World Languages, while the same is true for Amanda Kent in the field of Special Education. Both teachers are now eligible for tenure in September 2028.
“It’s nice when it finally lands in a good place,” Zilliox said. “We’re excited to have this off the unresolved issues list.”
Three Teacher Aides have also joined the District, including Katelyn Falkner, Jolene Krigar, and Nicole Cosico. Per diem substitutes that were approved include Diane Krystofiak, Rhonda Lee, Shane Murphy, Heather O’Leary, Kayla Hagen, Jacob Kantner, and James Hobbs.
The Board recently approved four resignations: Madeline Webb, Middle School Teacher, effective Oct. 14; Tristan Tarbell, Cleaner, effective Sept. 23; Willie Clyde, Building Maintenance Mechanic II, effective immediately; and Hobbs, Teacher Aide/Lifeguard, for the purpose of filling the District’s School Counselor opening.
The District is also in the process of evaluating applicants from the student body for a seat on the Board of Education. Last year, Lacey Drennen served as the District’s Student Board Member, a role that was approved by voters beginning last year.