OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox discussed a tuition increase at a recent Board of Education meeting.

Rising costs at the Fredonia Central School District have resulted in higher tuition rates for out of district students.

The Board of Education approved an increase in tuition rates of 4.85% for the upcoming school year at a recent meeting. The increase is in line with the 4.85% spending increase from the previous year’s budget to the upcoming year.

“We try to think reasonably about what the tuition increase should be from year to year,” Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said.

In recent years, the district has changed its way of evaluating tuition rate increases. In some years, the tuition rates increased by the tax levy increase percentage, while in other years, the tuition increase matched the total budget increase percentage. Last year, the district “split the difference” between the two figures.

Zilliox and Business Administrator John Forbes made a recommendation that the Board approve a tuition rate increase of 3.3% — a near midpoint between a 1.9% tax levy increase and a 4.85% budget increase. The Board, however, elected to increase the rates by the total budget increase percentage of 4.85%.

The new tuition rates will be $3,215 for students in grades K-6 and $4,611 for students in grades seven to 12. Zilliox stated that, in comparison, he is aware of districts in Chautauqua County that differ noticeably regarding tuition costs in either direction. Zilliox estimated the district has roughly 30 students paying tuition from out of district.

The Board expressed a desire for more consistency in how it determines tuition rate increases in the coming years.

The Board also approved a procedural move allowing Forbes to retire as Business Administrator under terms of his previous contract. Forbes was later reappointed to the role of Business Administrator on a new three-year contract through June 30, 2028. Zilliox and Forbes noted that in doing so, the new agreement is financially beneficial to the district.

Also of note, the bond resolution to fund Proposition 1 of the Capital Project, titled Warm, Safe and Dry, in the amount of $22,100,000, was officially approved by the Board.

“We appreciate the taxpayers approving this portion of the proposal back in December,” Zilliox said. “… We’re thankful and looking forward to it.”

First readings of revised policies were also held, pertaining to maximum temperatures for school buildings and the use of internet-enabled devices during the school day.

The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is Tuesday, July 22 at 6 p.m.