Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox received a three-year extension at the latest Board of Education meeting. P-J photo by Braden Carmen

Brad Zilliox said when he interviewed at Fredonia that he hoped it would be the final stop in his career. He now believes that will be the case.

The Fredonia Board of Education has approved a three-year contract extension with Zilliox as the district’s Superintendent, effective July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2030. The extension calls for a 2.5% salary increase each year. Additional language is included for longevity, as the contract will see Zilliox through eight years with the district.

“Without question, the Board is very pleased that Dr. Zilliox wishes to continue his employment with the district,” said Steve Johnston, Board of Education President. He added that the Board and Zilliox have a “very good working relationship.”

Zilliox said a variety of factors make him proud to be Fredonia’s Superintendent, including the “positive frame of mind” of the students, “a great faculty and staff who are really in it for the right reasons”, and a “fantastic” administrative team, as well as the support he receives from the Board of Education.

“I’m proud of the work that we’ve done up until this point. I look forward to continuing those things,” Zilliox said. “I’m humbled, I’m honored, and I appreciate the support.”

Prior to Zilliox receiving his extension, the Board began its meeting with a moment of silence for Jenniffer Maslakowski, a former Middle School English Teacher and administrator who recently passed away.

Kristen Ferro, Director of Special Education, said that Maslakowski inspired her to pursue a career in administration, in addition to the countless students she impacted.

“Jenn was truly one of a kind. She was one of the most creative and character rich people I knew,” Ferro said. “She was bold, energetic, and funny on the surface, but just beneath it, her heart of gold, her true spirit of compassion, and her genuine care for everyone around her were always evident.”

Ferro said she recalls many of the conversations she had with Maslakowski, and credited her impact for lasting long after her time at Fredonia concluded in 2019. Ferro said the district was “truly fortunate” to have felt her impact.

At the recent meeting, the Board also approved the resignation of Heidi Tresler, Teacher Aide, effective March 27. Several per diem substitutes were approved, including Morgan Bailey and Mykala Rodriguez as classified Teacher Aide substitutes; Ashleigh Hellwig as a classified Teacher Aide and non-certified Teacher Assistant substitute; and Patricia Noel as a non-certified substitute Teacher.

Various university students were approved for fieldwork with the district, including Morgan Stricker, Jessa Robel, Shyanne Pilozzi, Bridgette Smith, Jordin Heidil, Julian Jakubowski, and Harper Trani.

The Board held first readings of two updated policies within the district, pertaining to the annual organizational meeting, as well as Absentee, Military, and Early Mail Ballots.

The next regular meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education will be on Tuesday, March 10 at 6 p.m. in the High School Library.