Fredonia board votes to place three-year board terms on May ballot

The Fredonia Central School Board voted April 14 to place a resolution on the May 19, 2026 ballot asking district voters whether to change the full term of a board member from the current length to a three-year term.

Board Chair read the motion to add the resolution to the annual budget vote. After a motion and a second, the board conducted a voice vote. Chair called for ayes, then asked for those opposed; two members verbally recorded opposition in the discussion that followed. Chair stated the motion carried and the resolution will appear on the May ballot for voter approval.

Why it matters: the board’s action merely places the proposed change before district voters; if the electorate approves the measure in May, the district’s governance would shift to three-year terms for board members. Supporters said the decision belongs to the community. Dissenting trustees said three-year terms give new trustees more time to learn the work and suggested differing views about term length remain valid.

What the transcript records: the motion was moved and seconded; the board approved sending the resolution to the ballot. At least two members registered opposition during the roll-call exchange (the chair recorded at least one named opposing member). The resolution text was to "approve the change of the full term of office of a member of the Fredonia Central School Board of Education to 3 years and to add the resolution to the 2026 annual vote on 05/19/2026." The ballot question and legal language will be finalized with counsel before publication.

Next step: the resolution will be included on the May 19, 2026 budget ballot for voter consideration; legal review will occur before final ballot language is published.