Jul 26, 2025
OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox, at a recent Board meeting, addressed testing results that revealed the presence of lead in the district’s water supply.
In May, the Fredonia Central School District identified the presence of lead in many of its water fixtures throughout the district’s facilities. Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox addressed the topic again at a recent Board of Education meeting.
Zilliox stated the district has “tightened up (its) procedures and protocols” to gain “a better understanding of the process” that identifies any presence of lead in the district’s water supply.
Prior to this past school year, the district tested for lead in 2016 and in 2021 as required by New York State. Zilliox acknowledged that there were “some gaps” in the process in 2021, and an effort was made this year to correct the issues. An updated plan is being drafted for the next round of testing in 4-5 years.
Of 242 water fixtures tested by an outside laboratory this past school year, 51 different water fixtures came back with the presence of lead exceeding the State regulation threshold of five parts per billion. Impacted areas included all levels of instruction — 10 of which were at the Wheelock campus compared to 41 outlets at the main campus.
Main campus sources that reported contamination included various kitchen sinks, chorus and locker room sinks, nursing office sinks, as well as the art room and several classrooms. Various drinking fountains were also found to be contaminated.
Many of the fixtures that came back beyond the current threshold were installed many years ago when the equipment utilized lead. The district is currently in the process of replacing water fixtures that exceeded the threshold.
The current threshold of five parts per billion set by the State for any outlet is significantly lower than the 15 parts per billion threshold when Fredonia last conducted its tests in 2021.
The results of the latest round of testing — which is now complete — were shared with the County and the State, as well as parents, guardians, and staff.
Also of note, following a second reading, the Board of Education approved policies related to maximum temperature guidelines for school buildings and indoor facilities, as well as the use of internet-enabled devices during the school day. The policies have been shared with district administrators for implementation this fall.
A summer transportation contract was approved with First Student, Inc., in the amount of $431.70 per day, per bus. The contract spans from July 7 through Aug. 7. A memorandum of understanding between the District and Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., to allow Extended School Year students to receive lunches from the COI Summer Food Program was also approved.
The resignation of Spanish Teacher Lucas Paredes Fuentes was approved by the Board of Education, effective immediately. Paredes Fuentes, a SUNY Fredonia graduate, was hired last summer after spending a year as a student teacher at Fredonia.
New hires to the district include Timothy Korzenieski as Building Maintenance Mechanic II; Isabella Mignoli as School Secretary; and Emily Moe as a temporary Internal Claims Auditor.
Lorelei Montgomery and Christina Billittier were appointed as Extended Leave Substitutes. Abigail Lauer was appointed as a lifeguard, while Michael Ball was appointed as a per diem cleaner. The Board also approved a list of Instructional/Team Leaders for the 2025-2026 school year.
The Board of Education began its recent meeting with a moment of silence for Jim Sedota, Internal Claims Auditor, and Jack Larson, former Track Coach, who recently passed away.
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