Fredonia increases data security measures
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With technology more prevalent in the world now more than ever before, the Fredonia Central School District has taken measures to ensure that the district is well protected. The district entered into a Data Privacy and Security Support Agreement with Lake Shore Central Schools in the amount of $10,000.
A year ago, a similar agreement was reached between the two districts in the amount of $5,000, but Fredonia sought to increase its coverage this year. The district is utilizing grant funding to offset the increased cost this year.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said the district is taking a proactive approach in increasing its protection this year "to be as prepared as possible for any type of threat ... (and) to make sure that security and privacy is not an issue."
The Board of Education also approved the purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at a cost not to exceed $5,000. Doing so will give the district the ability to bring an AED to school field trips and other events.
The Board approved the District-wide School Safety Plan for the 2026-2027 school year, along with the district's Professional Learning Plan and a list of intramural programs for the year.
A three-year employment contract between the Fredonia Central School District and Kate Hinds-Morrison, District Clerk and Secretary to the Superintendent, was also approved. Her new contract runs through June 30, 2029.
Zilliox said the district is happy to have Hinds-Morrison in her role for another three years. He credited her efforts to improve communication with district families online, especially through social media. The Board of Education gave Hinds-Morrison two rounds of applause, initiated by Vice President Sheila Hahn.
The Board also officially appointed Rachel Kofod and John Feldmann as Speech Teachers. They were each initially appointed as Non-Certified Long-Term Substitutes in the Speech tenure area while awaiting official certification. Mary Williams was also officially appointed as a Music Teacher, retroactive to Aug. 27, 2024.
Marissa Cash was appointed as a Non-Certified Extended Leave Substitute Teacher, effective Aug. 31. The Board approved the appointment of several substitutes for various roles within the district, including Nicole Szalay, Julian Ocasio, Mykala Rodriguez, Amy Rebmann, Laurie Strong, Karen Walker, Katherine Tooley, Ashleigh Hellwig, Casey Decker, and Kristine Potter. Retired Teachers Kevin Way and Ellen Foley were also approved as substitutes.
Three Teacher Aides were hired to probationary positions, including Shawn Farnham, James Winder, and Julia Gugino. Leydaris Otero Otero and Neysha Villegas Ramos were recently hired as Food Service Helpers. Trent Krenzer will serve as a lifeguard.
Isabella Mignoli, School Secretary, Amy Kinney, Teacher Aide, and Rachelle Cook, Teacher Aide, were all granted permanent status of employment. CJ Barnett resigned from the role of Teacher Aide, effective Sept. 16.
Kathy Wright was reappointed to the position of Assistant to the Tax Collector at a stipend of $1,000. Emily Diamond was approved for a Physical Education teaching overage, while salary adjustments for Alec Chambers and Hannah Rich were also approved.
Jenna Hockwater, Katie Brown, Hannah Rich and Dawn Stewart were named as extracurricular advisors. Steve Verstraete, Donna Reed, and Laura Burnside will serve as CSE Chairs. Steve Johnston, the Board of Education President, will serve as an unpaid assistant with the Varsity Football Team. Several university students were approved for fieldwork, as well.
Fundraisers were approved for a flapjack fundraiser for the Boys Wrestling Team, a Pink Out volleyball game, Tier 1 MTSS, the Fredonia Elementary School PRIDE Committee, and Hillbilly Harmonics. The Varsity Basketball Team will host its annual Drills and Skills Clinic on Black Friday, Nov. 27.
The next regular Fredonia Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.