Steve Johnston, Board of Education President, led a moment of silence at a recent meeting to remember Brayden Wilson, a Fredonia High School freshman who died on Monday. Photo by Braden Carmen

The Fredonia Board of Education began its meeting on Tuesday evening with a moment of silence in memory of Brayden Wilson, a Fredonia High School freshman who died on Monday.

“It’s heartbreaking news,” Board President Steve Johnston said after the moment of silence.

In an email sent to the school community Monday, Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox stated a student passed away Sunday night. Zilliox said Fredonia Police believes the death, while unexpected, was of natural causes. The district is offering counseling and bereavement support services to all students and staff.

Following the moment of silence, the regular meeting commenced. The Board welcomed presentations from each building principal, beginning at Wheelock through the high school, then finishing with Special Education Director Kristen Ferro. Shortly after Ferro’s presentation concluded, the Board made it official that her department would be welcoming a new staff member.

Fredonia welcomed Kayla Hagen to the district, as she was appointed to a four-year probationary position in the Special Education Department, effective Aug. 26. Hagen is certified in Childhood Education Grades 1-6 and Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6. Hagen is a graduate of Royalton-Hartland High School and went on to attend SUNY Fredonia.

“She’s very excited and looking forward to the experience,” Zilliox said. He noted Hagen’s experience as a student at Royalton-Hartland, a school of similar class size as Fredonia.

Zilliox also noted that Hagen will be filling a position that has remained vacant following a resignation earlier this school year. With uncertainty surrounding staffing due to the rejected budget and upcoming re-vote, Zilliox highlighted that because of the need in the Special Education Department, Hagen’s position is deemed necessary. If future cuts are needed, Hagen’s appointment will not be impacted.

“If we did have to make additional reductions, it would not be in Special Education, and not be this particular position,” Zilliox said. “She will be here as we roll around to September. We’re looking forward to having her onboard.”

The Board of Education also appointed Kaitlyn Krystofiak as a Teacher Aide, effective June 5. Five per diem substitutes were appointed, as well, including 2024 Fredonia graduate Owen Rush, whose role as a classified Teacher Aide took effect May 27. Also appointed by the Board: Julia Hill, Nick Putcher, Susan Kriz and Nitilda Paschke.

Two resignations were also approved by the Board. Middle School Science Teacher Gregory Holmberg will resign from the district, effective June 30. Gary Butler will resign from his role of Cleaner for the purpose of retirement, effective Aug. 8.

Contracts for the 2025-26 school year were also approved for trash removal with Casella, in the amount of $35,160; and for gasoline/diesel fuel with NOCO Energy Corp. at a cost of $2.43 per gallon for diesel fuel and $2.3575 for gasoline. A transportation contract with WNY Bus Company from June 1 through June 27 at a cost of $596 per day was also approved.

Pertaining to the district’s upcoming budget re-vote, Darrin Paschke was appointed as Chairman of the vote; Marcia Merrins is Chief Election Inspector/Poll Site Coordinator; Rebecca Huber Ross is Assistant Poll Site Coordinator; and Mary Croxton is Election Inspector. District Clerk Kate Hinds Morrison is authorized to give written notice of such appointments.

The 2025-26 School Budget re-vote is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, from 2 until 9 p.m., in the high school cafeteria. The next regular Board of Education meeting will take place that same night, June 17, at 6 p.m., in the high school library.