2012
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Rumors Target Threat To GIHS - Dec. 2012
Messages were sent to parents of Grand Island School District students regarding a possible threat to the high school. Those rumors have been thoroughly investigated by local, state and federal officers and the rumors have been found to have no merit. Out of an abundance of caution, however, a sheriff’s officer will be present at all schools this morning during arrival. As always the staff will be present in the hallways and outside as well to welcome the children to school.New Transportation Facility Passes - Dec. 2012
Grand Island School Voters OK New Transportation Center - www.buffalonews.com storyGrand Island School District residents Tuesday in a 404 to 220 vote approved the $6.37 million project for a new transportation center. The district will build a new 16,000-square-foot building for the school buses behind Sidway Elementary School on Baseline Road and renovate the existing 65-year-old transportation center at the same site for use by maintenance and buildings and grounds. Interim Superintendent Robert W. Christmann said the project “provides the opportunity to increase safety for the students and parents at Sidway because there will be a separate entrance and exit for the buses.” A new ring road just for buses will be constructed to the north of the school and its athletic fields that will loop around the rear of the property to reach the new center and bus parking areas. The project, expected to be completed by September 2014, also includes additional on-site parking. It is eligible for 80.6 percent in state aid, and also will be financed with $1.3 million from a reserve fund, so there will be no impact on the district’s tax levy.
School Board Meeting Agenda - December 2012
See School Board Agenda for the December 10, 2012 meeting.School Board Meeting Agenda - December 2012
See School Board Agenda for the December 3, 2012 meeting.Transportation Facility Referendum- Dec. 2012
Click photo for larger view
The Grand Island Schools 2012-2013 Transportation Facility Referendum will take place on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 from 10am-9pm at the Grand Island High School Gym. Public Information Presentations will take place at Charlotte Sidway School, 2451 Baseline Rd. on Thursday, December 6th at 1pm and Tuesday, December 11th at 6:30pm.The proposed proposition will authorize the District to borrow the necessary funds as well as authorize the use of District reserves that will be used to fund the project. The referendum value is $6,377,000. By combining borrowed funds with those funds the District has saved and set aside for specific use, the project will have no impact on taxpayers. See flyer for more details.
Proposed New Transportation Facility - Nov. 2012
Grand Island CSD Director of School Business Services, Joseph Giarrizzo, details the milestones, scope of work, and project financing for the proposed new Transportation Facility, which is up for public vote on Tuesday, December 18, 2012. Mr. Giarrizzo will answer your questions in person during two public forums at Sidway Elementary on Thursday, December 6th at 1:00 p.m and Tuesday, December 11th at 6:30 p.m.See "Information Video."
Naming Rights Committee - November 2012
The community is invited to serve on a committee to consider recommendations of worthy GI individuals for whom the high school auditorium would be named. See details.School Board Meeting Agenda - November 2012
See School Board Agenda for the November 19, 2012 meeting.School District Absentee Ballots - Dec. 2012
For information on absentee ballots for School District Capitol Project Vote on Tuesday, December 18, see "Absentee Ballots"School District Voting - Dec. 2012
A Grand Island School District vote will take place on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012 from 10:00 o’clock A.M. to 9:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) in the High School Gym, 1100 Ransom Road, Grand Island, New York, for the purpose of voting upon the following Bond Proposition:BOND PROPOSITION
RESOLVED:
(a) That the Board of Education of the Grand Island Central School District, in the County of Erie, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct additions, alterations and improvements to District transportation facilities situated on the site of the Charlotte Sidway Elementary School (the “Project”), substantially as referred to and described in a Plan prepared for the District by Cannon Design and Campus Construction Management, (the “Plan”), which Plan is on file and available for public inspection at the office of the District Clerk, including, but not limited to, the construction of a new building to provide vehicle maintenance, operations and other space; site development, including the construction of a new entrance loop, sidewalks, curbing, lighting, storm water management, electrical, security and landscaping improvements; all of the foregoing to include the original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus and ancillary or related site, demolition and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $6,377,000; provided that the estimated costs of the components of the Project as set forth in detail in the Plan may be reallocated among such components if the Board of Education shall determine that such reallocation is in the best interest of District;
(b) that $1,132,00 of the cost of the Project shall be provided from moneys currently available in the District’s 2008 Capital Reserve Fund, heretofore established following approval by the voters on May 20, 2008 (the “Fund”); and the expenditure of not to exceed $1,132,000 from such Fund for said Project is hereby authorized and approved; and
(c) that a tax in the aggregate amount of not to exceed $5,245,000 is hereby authorized to pay the balance of the cost of the Project, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education and, that in anticipation of such tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate amount of not to exceed $5,245,000, and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable.
Such Bond Proposition shall appear on the ballot labels to be inserted in the voting machines used for voting at said Special District Meeting in substantially the following condensed form:
BOND PROPOSITION
YES NO
RESOLVED:
(a) That the Board of Education of the Grand Island Central School District, in the County of Erie, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct additions, alterations and improvements to District transportation facilities situated on the site of the Charlotte Sidway Elementary School, and to expend not to exceed $6,377,000 therefor; (b) that $1,132,000 of the cost shall be provided from moneys currently available in the District’s 2008 Capital Reserve Fund, and the expenditure of not to exceed $1,132,000 from such Fund for said purpose is hereby authorized and approved; and (c) that a tax is hereby authorized in the aggregate amount of not to exceed $5,245,000 to pay the balance of the cost, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education and, that in anticipation of such tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate amount of not to exceed $5,245,000, and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable.
The voting will be conducted by ballot on voting machines as provided in the Education Law and the polls will remain open from 10:00 o’clock A.M. to 9:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that applications for absentee ballots will be available at the Office of the District Clerk, 1100 Ransom Road, Grand Island, New York between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 4:30 o’clock P.M., (Prevailing Time) Monday through Friday, except holidays. In accordance with Education Law Section 2018-a, such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before said Special District Meeting if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before said Special District Meeting, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 o’clock P.M., (Prevailing Time), on Tuesday, December 18, 2012. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a list of persons to whom absentee ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, December 13, 2012, between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 4:30 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on weekdays prior to the day set for said Special District Meeting and on December 18, 2012, the day set for said Special District Meeting. A person shall be entitled to vote at said Special District meeting only if such person is a qualified voter and is:
- A citizen of the United States
- Eighteen years of age
- A resident within the District for a period of thirty days next preceding said Special District Meeting
BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Dated: October 29, 2012
JANET J. SCHUSTER
District Clerk
School Board - Public Meeting - Oct. 2012
Notice of Public MeetingOctober 22, 2012
6:30pm - 8:00pm
High School Auditorium
Please consider attending to share your interests for a new superintendent for the Grand Island District
School Board OKs Tech Wing Changes - Buffalo News - July 2012
See "Story" by Buffalo News reporter Laura E. Winchester.School District Transportation Center Access - Buffalo News - July 2012
See "Story" by Buffalo News reporter Laura E. Winchester.Superintendent Christmann Announces Resignation - July 2012
A Message from the Board of EducationIt is with mixed emotions that we announce Superintendent Robert Christmann’s resignation from Grand Island Central School District effective Oct. 1. We thank Bob for his six years of service to our district as well as his continued service to education as he steps into a new role as executive director of the Western New York Educational Service Council (WNYESC).
We support Bob in his decision and, simply put, we wish him the best. Throughout his time at Grand Island, he served our district and community well, extending Grand Island’s legacy of educational excellence. During this time, his superintendent colleagues elected Bob to serve as president of the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), a role which allowed him to effectively update the board of education on a regular basis regarding state matters that could affect the district. They also elected him to represent NYSCOSS on the Governing Board of the National Superintendents Association (American Association of School Administrators).
It is under his leadership, that the district and community:
Passed a $51-million capital project;
Passed every annual budget;
Initiated new academic programs, including the International Baccalaureate, Project Lead The Way (PLTW), and Common Core Curriculum;
Improved student safety by installing traffic controls, an anti-bullying campaign, and after-prom party (to name a few examples);
Grew the technology curriculum via PLTW and student participation in Western New York Technology Education Association’s Tech Wars competition;
Promoted one of the area's top music programs, helping the district receive national recognition;
Assisted in moving the district into the top ten academically as determined by Buffalo Business First;
Hired eight district and building level administrators, more than 40 new teachers, and more than 30 support staff as well as increased community and staff involvement in the selection process;
Averaged more than 90 percent high school graduation rate, including 95 percent this past school year; and
Averaged more than 92 percent graduates attending two- or four-year colleges, a 4 percent increase during Bob’s service.
We fully expect Bob will continue to work with the district as an interim superintendent through the fall. As a board, we have acted proactively and commenced the search for a new superintendent whom we expect to start by Dec. 31, 2012.
We will engage the community as we work though this critical process. Please watch the district website at www.k12.ginet.org and Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/GIcapitalproject for updates as we move forward.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know. We can be reached at boe@k12.ginet.org.
Thank you,
Grand Island Board of Education
School Board Addresses Transportation Center - Buffalo News - June 2012
See "Story" by Buffalo News reporter by Laura E. Winchester.Notice From GISD - June 2012
It has come to the attention of the School District that there is someone traveling door to door on Grand Island claiming they are gathering information on behalf of the Grand Island Central School District. Please note that the School District is not currently nor would they ever be involved in any door to door soliciting of this type. It has been brought to the Superintendent's attention and he has advised residents to call 911 if someone should come to your door claiming to represent the District.Architect Outlines Design Changes to New Tech Wing at GIHS - Buffalo News - June 2012
See Tech Wing for story by Buffalo News reporter by Laura E. Winchester.School Budget Vote & Election - May 2012
Budget: $53,079,789 862 YES 507 NO
Prop 2: $575,000 853 YES 504 NO
Board of Education: 974 GORIS 936 BOBECK 923 DROIT
Getting Ready for Kindergarten - May 2012
If you have a child turning five years of age on or before December 1, you have probably received a call from the Grand Island Central School District asking you to register your child. If you have not received this call and have a child eligible for kindergarten, please call the District Office at 773-8800 so that your child can be registered.Kindergarten Screening will be held May 29 through June 7, 2012. Screening is by appointment and may be scheduled once you have registered your child. Screening takes approximately an hour to complete. Your child will spend about 20 minutes with three different professionals. He/she will see one of our reading specialists for an assessment of his/her readiness skills. Your child will also meet with a speech therapist and a school nurse. It is important that you have record of your child’s physical exam and immunizations by that time.
If you have any questions regarding your child coming to kindergarten, please do not hesitate to call Charlotte Sidway Elementary School at 773-8870. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to Sidway!
School Board Meeting Agenda - May 2012
See School Board Agenda for the May 21, 2012 meeting.District Art Show to be Held - May 2012
Works by hundreds of student artists will be on display in the Viking Mall of Grand Island High School next week as the Art Department of the Grand Island Schools presents their annual district-wide art show. Students in grades K-12 have eagerly been preparing works in anticipation of the yearly event. Designed to showcase the ways in which district students are meeting the rigorous NYS Art Standards for the Visual Arts in their classes, as well as displaying individual accomplishments by student artists, the show will open with a reception for artists and their families on the evening of May 17 from 6:30-8 p.m. The public is cordially invited to view the students’ work and to share in their teachers’ and families’ collective pride as they view the unique artistic points of view, creative solutions, visual problem-solving and individual artistic voices on display.School District $53.1M Budget Vote - May 2012
The Grand Island School Board held a public hearing May 7, 2012 on the proposed $53.1 million budget for the 2012-2013 school year that will be voted on from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 15 in the high school gym.Getting Ready for Kindergarten - May 2012
If you have a child turning five years of age on or before December 1, you have probably received a call from the Grand Island Central School District asking you to register your child. If you have not received this call and have a child eligible for kindergarten, please call the District Office at 773-8800 so that your child can be registered. Sending your child to kindergarten is a big step, but a very exciting time in your lives. Please make note of the following important dates:May 15, 2012 - Kindergarten Orientation
This event is for both you and your child. The afternoon begins when the doors open at 1:30 p.m. Presentations for parents in the large gym and activities for children in the classrooms will begin promptly at 2 p.m. The afternoon concludes with a short bus ride for you and your child. You will have an opportunity to meet several faculty and staff and have any questions you may have answered.
May 29 – June 7, 2012 - Kindergarten Screening
Screening is by appointment and may be scheduled once you have registered your child. Screening takes approximately an hour to complete. Your child will spend about 20 minutes with three different professionals. He/she will see one of our reading specialists for an assessment of his/her readiness skills. Your child will also meet with a speech therapist and a school nurse. It is important that you have record of your child’s physical exam and immunizations by that time.
If you have any questions regarding your child coming to kindergarten, please do not hesitate to call Charlotte Sidway Elementary School at 773-8870. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to Sidway!
School Board Meeting Agenda - April 2012
See School Board Agenda for the April 23, 2012 meeting.Absentee Ballot Application for School Board Budget Vote - April 2012
See School Board Absentee Ballot Application for the May 15, 2012 Budget Vote.Special School Board Meeting - April 2012
See School Board Agenda for the April 17, 2012 meeting.School Board News
Joseph Giarrizzo to Serve as Director of Business Services - April 2012
The Grand Island Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph Giarrizzo as director of business services.
Following the retirement of Loraine Ingrasi, who served as the assistant superintendent for business and finance for the past 8 years, a comprehensive screening process was conducted to ensure the selected candidate possessed the experience suited to meet the high standards of Grand Island Central School District. “Joe was impressive as a candidate as measured by his skills, strong work ethic, high level interpersonal skills and private sector background. Seldom does a candidate have universal praise from every reference over multiple past positions,” states Superintendent Robert Christmann.
Giarrizzo has served as administrator for business and financial services for the Tonawanda City School District since 2009. Prior to his current position, he was employed as director of financial services for the Niagara Falls City School District from 2002-2009. A native of Niagara Falls, New York, Giarrizzo also served as a member of the Niagara Falls Board of Education from 1998 – 2002 and served as BOE President for the 1999-2000 school year.
Giarrizzo attended Niagara University and holds a master’s degree in education with a concentration in School Business Administration and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration concentrating in Accounting. He has also earned a master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Theory from Canisius College. Giarrizzo says, “I am looking forward to the experience and to contributing to the many great initiatives taking place in Grand Island.”
Mr. Giarrizzo will begin his service on May 21, 2012.
School Board Adopts Budget - Buffalo News - April 2012
The Grand Island School Board, Monday, April 2, 2012, unanimously adopted a nearly $51.1 million budget for the 2012-2013 school year. See Budget for story by Buffalo News reporter by Laura E. Winchester.School Board Agenda - April 2012
See School Board Agenda for the April 2, 2012 meeting.Getting Ready For Kindergarten - March 2012
If you have a child turning five years of age on or before December 1, you have probably received a call from the Grand Island Central School District asking you to register your child. If you have not received this call and have a child eligible for kindergarten, please call the District Office at 773-8800 so that your child can be registered. Sending your child to kindergarten is a big step, but a very exciting time in your lives. Once your child is registered for kindergarten the clock begins to tick and there are several dates which become very important for you. See Ready for KindergartenLottery to be Held for 2012-2013 Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program - March 2012
Last Day to Register is May 25, 2012
Grand Island Central School District will hold a lottery to determine enrollment for the 2012-2013 Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program. An open meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 5th at 2:00 p.m. in the Grand Island Senior High School Auditorium (located at 1100 Ransom Road, Grand Island, New York) to announce the results of the UPK lottery. All interested parents are welcome to attend. Notification letters and phone calls will be made to parents in the weeks following the lottery to confirm the specific location and session assignments for the incoming UPK students.To be eligible for the program a child must be 4 years old on or before December 1, 2012 and a Grand Island resident. Half day sessions, five days per week are offered at Charlotte Sidway Elementary School (morning and afternoon) and also at Care-A-Lot Child Care Center (morning only).
UPK applications are available on-line at www.k12.ginet.org, or call Sue Carter at 773-8818 for an application. Appointments must be made in advance to register your child. Please call 773-8800 to schedule an appointment. The application deadline is Friday, May 25, 2012. The last appointment to register on this date will be 3:00 p.m.
School Board Candidates Sought to Fill 3 Seats - March 2012
Candidates interested in a seat on the Grand Island Board of Education must file nominating petitions with District Clerk Janet Schuster by 5 p.m. April 16, 2012.Thirty nine (39) valid signatures of district residents are required on a petition. Forms are available at the district offices located at 1100 Ransom Road from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. There are three (3) three-year terms to be filled.
The qualifications to run for the Board of Education are: (1) you must be a citizen of the US, (2) you must be at least 18 years of age, (3) you must be a resident of the district for one year prior to the election, and (4) you must be able to read and write.
The School Board election and budget vote will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 15, 2012 in the High School Gym.
School Board Postpones Budget Vote - Buffalo News - March 2012
See Budget Postponed story by Buffalo News reporter by Laura E. Winchester.School Board Agenda - March 2012
See School Board Agenda for the March 12, 2012 meeting.School Board Explores Budget Cuts - Buffalo News - Feb. 2012
See Budget Cuts story by Buffalo News reporter by Laura E. Winchester.The Grand Island Board of Education Wants To Hear From You - March 2012
Please consider answering this short survey concerning your decision at the polls for the Grand Island Central School District Capital Project Vote held on December 20, 2011. The information you provide will help us to better serve you, our residents, and our students. Thank you in advance for your response!See short survey.
School Board Addresses Transportation Sites - Feb. 2012
See Transportation Sites story by Buffalo News reporter by Laura E. Winchester.School Board Agenda - Feb. 2012
See School Board Agenda for the February 13, 2012 meeting.School Board Budget Workshop and Open Forum - Feb. 2012
The Grand Island Board of Education will hold a 2012-2013 Budget Workshop at 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2012 at the Veronica E. Connor Middle School Little Theater. Loraine Ingrasi, assistant superintendent for finance will present information regarding the 2012-2013 proposed budget.Residents will have an opportunity to ask questions at a Community Budget Open Forum that will follow at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 8 in the Veronica E. Connor Middle School Little Theater. Grand Island residents are welcome and encouraged to attend both events.
