Student survey, Pre-K 4-star rating and family supports highlighted at Fredonia board meeting

At the Nov. 4 meeting of the Fredonia Central School District Board of Education, the superintendent and student representatives presented several district updates, including back-to-school survey findings, a confirmed 4-star Quality Stars rating for the pre-K program, and community resources for families.

Student representatives reported 87 survey responses from the high school with an average rating of 3.78 out of 5. "The top 3 positives that were selected were attendance, fitting in and finding friends, and communication with teachers and administration," one student representative said. Survey results flagged several challenges: 73.1% of respondents reported lack of sleep as a concern and 55.1% reported difficulty managing homework. Students asked the board and administration to return with concrete follow-up plans and to share results back with the student body so survey participation leads to actionable changes.

The superintendent announced that the district's pre-K program received a confirmed 4-star Quality Stars rating after on-site observation by reviewers; administrators described the rating as a significant affirmation of pre-K staff and program practices. "We were thrilled to find out that we, were confirmed as a 4 star rating program for quality stars for our pre k program," the administrator said.

Administration also outlined supports for families concerned about food insecurity amid state SNAP uncertainty: the district runs Edge/Edge Junior (clothes and hygiene), an on-site food pantry, a walk-up pantry at Chestnut Street playground, a weekend backpack program for elementary students, and partnerships with local organizations including Fredonia Presbyterian Church, Feedmore of Western New York, SUNY Fredonia, Friendly Kitchen (Dunkirk) and the Saint Susan Center (Jamestown). The board discussed posting the resource list on social channels and other district communications so families can more easily locate help.

The superintendent reviewed staffing updates and recent permanent appointments, noting new permanent nurses and support staff and several probationary appointments. He also described ongoing facilities accessibility reviews to inform potential capital or remediation work.

What happens next: Student representatives will work with administration to identify possible solutions and to return with follow-up; administration plans social-media outreach and district communications to share resource information and program updates.