OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox called a new agreement with the Fredonia Teachers’ Association “a win-win.”

One major negotiation at the Fredonia Central School District has concluded, as the Board of Education voted to ratify a contract extension between the district and the Fredonia Teachers’ Association (FTA).

“We’re very pleased to announce we’ve come to an agreement,” Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said.

The contract is approved retroactively beginning July 1, and it runs through June 30, 2029. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed in the public session. Zilliox stated that the language of the agreement was being finalized, but a series of tentative agreements were approved by both sides.

“We appreciate the fact that the FTA leadership and negotiating team kept a very positive, upbeat, professional, collegial mode in these discussions. I feel like we’ve reached a fair agreement that works for the association, and also works at the district,” Zilliox said.

Zilliox called the four-year contract “a win-win.” The previous agreement was a three-year contract that ended after the 2024-25 school year this past June. Board of Education Vice President Lisa Fortna represented the Board throughout the negotiations. Board President Steve Johnston thanked Fortna and the rest of the negotiating team for their efforts.

The FTA is one of four associations within the district. As of the latest meeting, the district remains in negotiations with the Salaried Support Staff Association (SSSA) regarding a new contract. Zilliox said he hopes to have a new contract with the SSSA on the agenda for Board approval “very shortly.”

The district also came to a rental agreement with Children’s Educational Services for eight classrooms at the Wheelock campus to be utilized by the Little Seeds preschool program. The district will receive $53,820 under the terms of the agreement, effective Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, 2026. Zilliox called Little Seeds “a great partner” with the district and a “really nice component” of the Wheelock campus. He added, “We’ve really formed a nice collaboration and a partnership together.”

An agreement was also reached with People, Inc., for sign language interpreters to provide services at district events, as needed, effective Sept. 17.

“We’re thankful to them, and obviously want to provide all those services, and make sure people who attend our events are comfortable and able to have what they need to enjoy the event,” Zilliox said.

A transportation contract with WNY Bus Co. for transport of a student from Falconer to the Fredonia Central School District was also approved in the amount of $616.26 per day through the remainder of the 2025-26 school year. The cost is eligible for reimbursement through transportation aid.

An Art Department class trip to Ireland and Scotland over spring break of 2028 was also approved by the Board. Zilliox called the trip “a really great, unique and awesome opportunity for students.” More information will be made available to district students and families at a later date.

The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m.