Fredonia board approves consent agenda, hears superintendent report and moves to executive session

The Fredonia Central School District Board of Education on the evening of the meeting approved its consent agenda — including adoption of the meeting agenda, approval of minutes and routine personnel and contract items — and then moved into executive session to discuss personnel.

Dr. Zimnats, the superintendent, summarized the district's financial and operational updates. "This is the report for the 2025–26 school tax collection. We received 93.67% of our estimated levy," he said, noting that level is consistent with prior years (generally 93–94%). He told the board a mailing issue affected the Van Buren/Greencrest/Van Buren Point area and that the tax report would be submitted to the county after board action.

The board considered a contract with Lakeshore Central School District for data privacy and security support. The superintendent described the arrangement as a shared-services approach that provides in-district mentoring and "a great bang for our buck," saying it is less costly than hiring a full-time data officer while building local capacity. A board member asked whether the arrangement produces savings compared with hiring staff locally; the superintendent said it allows staff to "learn and grow, with some oversight and some mentoring," and provides a larger overall savings.

The meeting included personnel items handled via the consent agenda. The superintendent announced the approval of two probationary teacher-aide hires, Laura Riddle and Janet Cruz, and welcomed them to the district.

Members of the public and representatives offered recognitions: Michelle Greeno of the Learning Teacher Association praised school-related professionals — "They really help this place run so smoothly," she said — and thanked teacher aides, custodians, cafeteria workers, secretaries and others for their daily work in support of students.

Student and instructional representatives reported a string of student achievements across athletics, music and academics, and described community partnerships. The board highlighted a visit by Paralympian Adam Page and said the district will pursue adaptive-sports work with Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports after the new year.

Dr. Zimnats also extended the district's sympathies to Jamestown following a recent fatal student bus accident there and said the district is reviewing bus-loop procedures and protocols to make adjustments if needed to keep students safe. He said he and other board members attended a recent legislative breakfast to discuss district priorities with local lawmakers and that the facilities committee will tour areas raised previously around accessibility on Dec. 9.

Before adjourning to executive session, the board announced its next regular meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. in the school library.

The board then approved a motion to enter executive session for personnel matters.