OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen
Leah Dylag, a SUNY Fredonia graduate, is the new Fredonia Central School Orchestra Teacher for Grades 7-12. Dylag, left, is pictured with Music Instructional Leader Andrew Bennett, right.
The Fredonia Central School District has a new Assistant Principal, as well as a new Music Teacher. At a recent meeting of the Board of Education, Richard Szafranek was appointed as Middle School Assistant Principal, while Leah Dylag was picked to lead the Middle-High School Orchestra.
Szafranek, a former School Counselor, holds professional certifications in School Building Leader and School District Leader, as well as permanent certification as a School Counselor. His appointment began July 1 with a four-year probationary period. Szafranek will receive a salary of $89,000 for the 2026-27 school year.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said Szafranek has a “pleasant energy” and a “calming presence”, while also being passionate about athletics, specifically youth hockey and lacrosse. He comes to Fredonia after working as a Director of Services at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf.
Szafranek will work alongside Middle School Principal Jamie Polhamus at Fredonia. “I think he will bring a very strong skill set to our building. We’re excited to have him join us,” Polhamus said.
Leah Dylag, a SUNY Fredonia graduate, is the new Orchestra Teacher for Grades 7-12. Dylag holds initial certification in Music. She attended Grand Island High School before coming to SUNY Fredonia’s School of Music.
Dylag’s primary instrument is the double bass, and she also plays the violin. Her four-year probationary period of employment at Fredonia will begin on Aug. 31.
Zilliox said both he and Dr. Margie Wright were impressed by Dylag’s maturity and conviction in her beliefs as an educator during her interview. Zilliox said it was evident that she is excited to work with student musicians.
“I’m so excited to be here,” Dylag said. “I love this community. I’ve been around it for the past few years, and I was here in high school doing some music-related things too. I just can’t think of a better place I would love to come work.”
Dylag sat beside Music Instructional Leader Andrew Bennett throughout the Board of Education meeting. Dylag said that everyone she has met from the music department has been kind and welcoming. “I’m so excited to be part of the team,” she said.
The Board also approved the non-probationary appointment of Deb LaBarr as a Certified Extended Leave Substitute, effective Aug. 31. Pamela Maslak was appointed as a Teacher Aide, effective Aug. 31, on a one-year probationary basis. Isabella Mignoli was appointed as a 12-month School Secretary, effective June 24.
Ava Hartung, a Fredonia graduate, was appointed as a per diem substitute, Classified Teacher Aide, effective May 28. Alexander Bowser was approved for fieldwork under the direction of Music Instructional Leader Andrew Bennett. Summer School employees were also approved, including cleaners, IT professionals and Special Education staff.
The Board authorized a memorandum of agreement between the District, the Fredonia Teachers’ Association, and Amy Ward for an extension of Ward’s probationary period of employment in the School Counseling and Guidance tenure area through Aug. 29, 2027.
The Board also approved a Unanimous Joint Agreement with Erie II BOCES for its proposed Capital Project in 2027, totaling $49.5 million of critical maintenance improvements to its facilities. If every district that BOCES serves approves the project, it will move forward with districts responsible for five payments made annually, starting in July of 2027, with state aid reimbursement coming near the end of each year of the payments.
Fredonia’s portion each year would be roughly $430,000, with more than $300,000 of reimbursement later in the year, bringing the total cost to the district down to just over $120,000 each year. The only member of the Fredonia Board of Education to vote against the agreement was Kevin Martin. The resolution passed 6-1.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.observertoday.com ’
