2015
The Bridge - Fall 2015 - Community Newsletter
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School Board Meeting - December 2015
A School Board meeting will be held at the Professional Development Room at the Grand Island Senior High School, 1100 Ransom Road on Monday, December 14th. A meeting with High School administration will begin at 6:00 p.m., an anticipated executive session will begin at 6:30 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.School/Town Board Meeting - November 2015
A joint Town Board/School Board meeting will be held at the Professional Development Room at the Grand Island Senior High School, 1100 Ransom Road on Monday, November 30th at 7:00 p.m. An anticipated executive session will begin at 8:00 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.School Board Meeting - November 2015
A School Board meeting will be held at the Professional Development Room at the Grand Island Senior High School, 1100 Ransom Road on Monday, November 23rd. A meeting with Middle School administration will begin at 6:00 p.m., an anticipated executive session will begin at 6:30 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.School Board Meeting - November 2015
A School Board meeting will be held at the Professional Development Room at the Grand Island Senior High School, 1100 Ransom Road on Monday, November 9th. An anticipated executive session will begin at 6:00 p.m., a PTA Council Board Recognition will be at 6:30 p.m., an anticipated executive session will begin at 6:50 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.BOE Votes to Begin Superintendent Search - October 2015
On Monday, October 19, the Grand Island Central School District Board of Education voted to begin the search process for a new superintendent of schools. After deliberating in executive sessions, the Board voted 6 - 0 in favor. This follows the Board's June decision not to extend Superintendent Teresa Lawrence's three year contract beyond its term that is set to expire in June 2016. "After much consideration, the Board is confident the decision to begin the search process is in the best interest of our District and its stakeholders. As we move forward with this planned process, we will keep the community informed," stated Lisa Pyc, president of the Grand Island Board of Education. The Board of Education recognizes Lawrence's contribution to the Grand Island school community and her dedication to creating opportunities that advance students. The Board of Education will move forward with the process to hire a search consultant. The Request For Proposals mailing will be posted on or about Nov. 9.School Board Meeting Video - October 2015
The Grand Island Central School District Board of Education held a general session meeting Monday October 19th, 2015 in the Professional Development Room of Grand Island High School. See Video.Community Use of GI School Facilities - October 2015
The Grand Island Board of Education recently announced a facility useage protocol. Organizations are encouraged to use the facilities, but may find some stricter guidelines and possible fees involved. See press release for details.School Board Meeting - October 2015
A School Board meeting will be held at the Professional Development Room at the Grand Island Senior High School, 1100 Ransom Road on Monday, October 19th. A Kaegebein Administration meeting will be at 6:00 p.m., an anticipated executive session will begin at 6:30 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. Video conferencing will be used as part of this meeting for Glenn Bobeck, the locations of the participants will be the Grand Island High School and Novotel New York TImes Square, 226 West 52nd Street on Broadway, New York, NY 10019-5804. The public has the right to attend the public portion of this meeting at either location. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.School Board Meeting - October 2015
A School Board meeting will be held at the Professional Development Room at the Grand Island Senior High School, 1100 Ransom Road on Monday, October 5th. An anticipated executive session will begin at 6:30 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. Video conferencing will be used as part of this meeting for Karen Carroll. the locations of the participants will be the Grand Island High School and Fairfield Inn, 1695 Andover Street, Tewksbury, MA. The public has the right to attend the public portion of this meeting at either location. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.School Board Meeting - September 2015
A School Board meeting will be held at the Professional Development Room at the Grand Island Senior High School, 1100 Ransom Road on Monday, September 28th. A Sidway Administration meeting will be at 6:00 p.m., an anticipated executive session will begin at 6:30 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.School Board Meeting & Building Tour - September 2015
A School Board meeting and tour will be held on Monday, September 14th at 6:00 p.m. at Eco Island, 3325 Staley Road. A building Tour begins at 6:00 p.m., an anticipated executive session will begin at 6:30 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.School Board Meeting & Retreat - August 2015
A joint Town Board and School Board meeting will be held on Monday, August 31st at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall Court Room. A School Board Retreat will be held on Thursday, September 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the District Office Conference Room.School Board Meeting Video - August 2015
The Grand Island Central School District is now recording their Board of Education meetings. You can view them on Time Warner Cable on the following Saturday (8:30 p.m.) and Sunday (2:00 p.m.)See Grand Island BOE Meeting August 24, 2015 - Part I and Part II
School Board Meeting - August 2015
A School Board Reorganizational and Regular Meeting is planned for Monday, August 24, 2015 at GIHS Professional Development Room, 1100 Ransom Road. An anticipated executive session will begin at 6:30 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.School Board Meeting - July 2015
A School Board Reorganizational and Regular Meeting is planned for Monday, July 13, 2015 at GIHS Professional Development Room, 1100 Ransom Road. An anticipated executive session will begin at 6:30 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:00 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.School Board Holds Retiree Reception - July 2015
Prior to the June 8th school board meeting a reception for retirees and those receiving tenure was held at the high school. The fifteen retirees represent more than 275 years of service to the district. Supervisor of transportation Jack Burns received a standing ovation for his 33 years of service. Also recognized was Tom Rachow, serving the district for 32 years, retiring as director of building and grounds.Retiring from Connor Middle were Kay Saunders, 21 years, and Marlaine Kaniecki, 14 years. Sidway retirees include Karen Zirnheld, Mary Slovic, Pam Shoemaker, all 21 years, and Denise Dewey, 17 years. MaryBeth Smith retired after 22 years at the high school and Walter Weichec retired after 22 years with the buildings and grounds department. Other retirees include Ken Bucholtz, Amy Mang and Louise Weis from the transportation department; Sue Nardozzi, 14 years, from technology; and Dave Remmes, food service.
Recognized for receiving tenure were Karen Cuddy-Miller, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction; Carley Antonelli and Crystal Barnes, Connor Middle; Britney Burns, Sidway; Michael Gerster, Casey Steck and Jillian Wood, Kaegebein; Jennifer Mernitz, high school; and Julie Schwab, district office.
School Board Meeting - June 2015
A School Board Meeting is planned for Monday, June 22, 2015 at GIHS Professional Development Room, 1100 Ransom Road. An anticipated executive session will begin at 6:30 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.School Board Meeting - June 2015
A School Board Meeting is planned for Monday, June 8, 2015 at GIHS Professional Development Room, 1100 Ransom Road. An anticipated executive session will begin at 7:00 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.Grand Island Central School District 2015 Census - May 2015
Recently, Grand Island residents may have received the Grand Island Central School District 2015 census form in the mail. It is important for the District to conduct a resident census to aid in the planning and projection of student enrollment. Please help by completing and returning this form. Your prompt attention to this request is greatly appreciated. Upon completion, fold the card so that the school district address is on the outside, seal it using tape, and mail it back to our District office. No postage is required. Please return by June 12, 2105.For your convenience, the District has also provided an online option to complete the census. Visit www.grandislandschools.org/census2015 for the electronic version of the 2015 census form. If you choose to complete the census online, you do not need to mail back the paper version. Please complete the online version by June 12, 2015.
Voting Results - May 2015
Sandra Caffery, Sharon Nichols and Phyllis Martin
Prop. 1 budget 1162 yes; 474 no 1636Prop. 2 buses 1064 yes; 524 no 1588
Prop. 3 vets 1297 yes; 338 no 1635
School Board:
Joy LaMarca - 834
Glen Bobeck - 787
Richard D'Agostino - 749
Not elected: Ashli Skura Dreher - 701
Tak Nobumoto - 527
Jeff Hassler - 357
Eric Soehnlein - 306
School Board Meeting - May 2015
A School Board Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting is planned for Monday, May 11, 2015 at GIHS Professional Development Room, 1100 Ransom Road. The Budget Hearing will begin at 7:30 p.m., immediately followed by a public session. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.Meet School Board Candidates Night - May 2015
Meet the Grand Island School Board candidates on Tuesday, May 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the High School Professional Development Room, 1100 Ransom Road. they are: Joy LaMarca, Jeffrey Hassler, Glenn Bobeck, Takayuki Nobumoto, Ashli Skura Dreher, Eric Soehnlein & Richard D'Agostino. See biographies.Veterans School Tax Credit Information - May 2015
The Grand Island School Board unanimously approved an alternative school tax exemption for Veterans at a Board of Education meeting on March 23rd at Level A, the highest available. The exemption would grant certain veterans, their spouses or un-remarried surviving spouses an ongoing partial exemption from school taxes on their primary residence, with additional exemptions for those who served in a combat zone and for disabled veterans. At the A level, the average taxpayer increase on a $180,000 assessed value home would be $41.42. The combat vet decrease would be $355.21. The public vote will take place on Tuesday, May 19th at Grand Island High School. This local law will be effective for the 2016-2017 school year, and shall continue until rescinded or amended by resolution of the Board of Education. You can see more information on the Grand Island Schools website.Absentee Ballot Information - April 2015
On Tuesday, May 19, 2015 Grand Island residents will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for the school district budget vote. For those voters who qualify, absentee ballots will be available. To be considered for an absentee ballot, you must fit one of the following categories:1. Duties, Occupation or Business outside of County or Town.
2. Vacation outside of County.
3. Patient in the hospital.
4. Unable to appear personally at the polling place on such day because of illness or physical disability.
5. A. Will be detained in jail for an offense other than a felony or awaiting trial or Grand Jury action.
B. Will be confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony.
6. Absence from the school district on the day of election by reason of accompanying or being with a spouse, child or parent who is an eligible district voter and is eligible for an absentee ballot due to one of the above or below listed reasons.
7. Confinement due to permanent illness or disability.
FOLLOW THE STEPS LISTED BELOW TO RECEIVE YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT
1. REQUEST AN APPLICATION. Call (773-8801) or write the District Clerk, Janet Schuster, Grand Island Central School District, 1100 Ransom Road, Grand Island, NY 14072, for an application.
2. RETURN YOUR APPLICATION. Once you have completely filled out the application for an Absentee Ballot, you must return it to the District Clerk's office located in the District Offices adjacent to the High School. It may be mailed or hand-delivered, but must be received at least seven (7) days before the election in order for the ballot to be mailed to the voter.
3. FILL OUT YOUR BALLOT AND TURN IT IN. Assuming the above instructions have been properly completed and you have qualified for an Absentee Ballot, you will receive a ballot in the mail which will contain the same information as the ballot on the day of the vote. Follow the instructions on the ballot and either mail it or hand deliver it to the District Clerk’s office. However, it must be received by the District Clerk's office no later than 5:00pm on the day of the vote (May 19, 2015).
School Board Meeting - April 2015
A School Board Meeting is planned for Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at GIHS Professional Development Room, 1100 Ransom Road. An anticipated executive session will begin at 6:30 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.School Board Meeting - April 2015
A School Board Meeting is planned for Monday, April 13, 2015 at Sidway School, 2451 Baseline Road. A tour of the school building will take place at 6:00 p.m. An anticipated executive session will begin at 6:30 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.Public Hearing 5-11-15
Notice of Public Hearing on the Budget, Annual Meeting, Budget Vote and Election
School Board Candidates Sought to Fill 3 Seats - March 2015
Candidates interested in a seat on the Grand Island Board of Education must file nominating petitions with District Clerk Janet Schuster by 4:00 p.m. on April 20, 2015. Twenty five (25) valid signatures of district residents are required on a petition. Forms are available at the district office located at 1100 Ransom Road from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays. There are three (3), three-year terms. The qualifications to run for the Board of Education are: (1) you must be a citizen of the United States; (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 8am to 9pm May 19, 2015 in the High School Main Gym.School Board Meeting - March 2015
A School Board Meeting is planned for Monday, March 23, 2015 at Huth Road School, 1773 Huth Road. A tour of the school building will take place at 6:00 p.m. An anticipated executive session will begin at 6:30 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.Grand Island School Rally - Students First - March 2015
The Grand Island Central School District superintendent, faculty, staff, Board of Education, parents, students and concerned residents will hold a school support rally on Monday, March 23, 2015 from 5:30 - 6:30 PM at Huth Road Elementary School (1773 Huth Road, Grand Island). The purpose of the rally is to draw attention to Governor Cuomo's education policies that have threatened public education. "The Grand Island Teachers' Association will join District leaders and members of our community on March 23, to speak with one voice. Governor Cuomo must restore our funding and abandon his proposed education agenda that will not benefit the students of Grand Island," states Mike Murray, president of the Grand Island Teachers Association (GITA)."Over the past five years, our District has experienced the withholding of 16.8 million dollars in funding through the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA). The result has been an increased use of fund balance, a reduction in programming and a reduction in both support and instructional staff," says Teresa Lawrence, superintendent of Grand Island Central School District. "In recent news we have heard about teachers and communities standing up together against the attack on public education. The Governor is holding public education hostage by attempting to link school aid to the enactment of reforms. I am charged with overseeing the education of 3,000 students. Every week I am in our schools, our halls and our classrooms and Grand Island school teachers are among the finest in Western New York. We are a community that embraces high standards and accountability. However, the Governor's suggested change to the APPR evaluation system to include that 50% of a grade 3-8 teacher evaluation score would be based on a paper and pencil test and an additional 35% of a teacher's evaluation be based on an outside evaluator is ludicrous and insulting to the profession. There is no room for Governor Cuomo's politics in our schools."
The Grand Island Board of Education, together with the Erie County Association of School Boards, supports fair funding. Our schools need funding reform immediately. The state needs to provide adequate resources, equitably distributed, to prevent our students from being forever shortchanged educationally. We need a transparent formula that recognizes a community's realistic ability to contribute resources," states Lisa Pyc president of the Grand Island Board of Education. "We encourage all residents to have a voice in school reform by joining us on Monday as we send our message to Governor Cuomo. Our goal is to raise awareness here on the Island," says Pyc.
Funded by tax dollars, schools educate children, employ neighbors, influence property values and help attract property owners to the Grand Island community. To advocate for an elimination of the GEA residents are encouraged to write elected representatives for passage of bills A2271 and S2743 which call for the elimination of the GEA under subdivision 17, section 3602 of education law. "Stop Attacking Public School" signs will be distributed at the rally. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own signs and suggest they remain appropriate for a school setting. More information about the rally can be found at gistudentsfirst. Information about the GEA can be found at the Erie County Association of School Boards at www.ecasb.org.
Proposed Veterans Tax Credit Information - March 2015
The Grand Island Central School District will hold a second public information session regarding a proposed alternative tax exemption for Veterans at the Board of Education Meeting on Monday, March 23, 2015. "We want to insure our community and our Board members are well informed of the impact that adopting this tax exemption may have on the Grand Island community," states Robert McDow, assistant superintendent for school business and finance. Upon final review of the alternative tax exemption options, the Board of Education will be charged with determining whether to adopt an exemption and, if so, the level of exemption limits. Should the Board choose to adopt a level of exemption, a public vote will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 to determine whether the exemption will be enacted. If approved, the alternative tax exemption for Veterans will take effect in the 2016-2017 school year.At the February 9, 2015 Grand Island Central School District Board of Education meeting, Nancy DiLonardo, chief data tax clerk from Erie County Real Property Tax Services shared information on the proposed Veterans Tax Credit exemption and the possible financial impact it will have on the Grand Island taxpayer, as well as the school district. In December 2013, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law legislation that allows school districts to offer the alternative veterans property tax exemption (RPTL 458-a). The exemption would grant certain veterans, their spouses or un-remarried surviving spouses an ongoing partial exemption from school taxes on their primary residence, with additional exemptions for those who served in a combat zone and for disabled veterans, based on limits that the Board of Education may establish by selecting from certain options defined by the statute.
The Grand Island Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, March 23, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the Huth Road Elementary School auditorium. All interested community members are welcome and encouraged to attend. More information can be found on the District website at www.grandislandschools.org/budget or by visiting the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website at http://tinyurl.com/-m2nz3k8.
School Board Meeting - March 2015
A School Board Meeting is planned for Monday, March 9, 2015 at the Professional Development Room at Grand Island High School, 1100 Ransom Road. A meeting with High School administration is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., an anticipated executive session will begin at 6:30 p.m., and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org.School Board Meeting - February 2015
A School Board Meeting is planned for Monday, February 23, 2015 at Kaegebein Elementary School. A school building tour will begin at 6:30 p.m., anticipated executive session is at 7:00 p.m. and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. A finalized agenda can be found at www.grandislandschools.org. See agenda.School Board Meeting - February 2015
A School Board Meeting is planned for Monday, February 9, 2015 in the High School Grand Viking Theater. A meeting with high school administration will be at 6:00 p.m., anticipated executive session at 6:30 p.m. and an anticipated public session is at 7:30 p.m. See agenda.Veterans Tax Credit Information February 9th BOE Meeting - February 2015
In December 2013, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law legislation that allows school districts to offer the alternative veterans property tax exemption (RPTL 458-a). The exemption would grant certain veterans, their spouses or un-remarried surviving spouses an ongoing partial exemption from school taxes on their primary residence, with additional exemptions for those who served in a combat zone and for disabled veterans, based on limits that the Board of Education may establish by selecting from certain options defined by the statute.At the next Grand Island Central School District Board of Education meeting, Nancy DiLonardo, chief data tax clerk from Erie County Real Property Tax Services will present information on the proposed Veterans Tax Credit exemption and the possible financial impact it will have on the Grand Island taxpayer, as well as the school district. The meeting will be held on Monday, February 9, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the Grand Island High School auditorium. All interested community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
GI Schools Train Staff to Become Overdose Responders - January 2015
Press Release...January 28, 2015In August 2014, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that 12 New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) addiction treatment centers in communities across the State will offer training sessions on opioid overdose awareness. The Grand Island Central School District has chosen to take advantage of this free training opportunity in their continued efforts to remain vigilant in the war against drugs. "As a school district, the safety and welfare of our students and our community is always a top priority. We take various measures throughout the year to train our employees on many safety procedures such as Hands-Only CPR and emergency drills. Opioid overdose awareness training is a free opportunity to educate our staff to recognize and respond to an overdose - another proactive approach to keep everyone safe," states Teresa Lawrence, superintendent of the Grand Island Central School District.
"Grand Island is the first school district in Western New York to take advantage of opioid overdose awareness training. As one of the state addiction treatment centers, the Stutzman Addiction Treatment Center has been asked to train providers and community members in opioid overdose awareness. It's important that knowledge and information be transferred to school districts," said Zena Hyman DNS, NP, clinical director, Overdose Prevention Program at Stutzman. "This January we will hold two courses. During these sessions the District will train administrators, nurses, school counselors, social workers and psychologists on the skills needed to recognize and respond to an overdose," said Karen Cuddy-Miller, assistant superintendent for curriculum & instruction at Grand Island Central School District. "We’ve invited participants from other area school districts. Representatives from Erie 1 BOCES, Kenmore- Town of Tonawanda, Maryvale and West Seneca school districts will also be attending."
The program presents a theoretical and historical perspective of opioid overdose awareness. It covers the essentials from the New York State Department of Health 2014 curriculum on Opioid Overdose Awareness. "Our staff members will learn how to recognize an overdose and what to do during an overdose. This will include how to provide rescue breathing and how to safely administer naloxone, a medication used to reverse the side effects of some narcotics," says Cheryl Cardone, director of Pupil Personnel Services for Grand Island Central School District. Participants completing the program meet the requirements to become a certified, trained overdose responder and administer naloxone. Naloxone kits are free and will be available for participants should they choose to take one. "I attended the first training session and realized the best anyone can do when faced with a presumed overdose is to dial 911 and begin administering CPR. Naloxone kits may be provided to attendees who complete the training if they choose for personal reasons. District employees are not expected to utilize these kits nor will they be included as part of our emergency response kits in the schools. Having them is strictly at their discretion. The intention of this training is for our staff to gain knowledge and awareness to this potential risk," said Lawrence.
The problem of heroin and opioid abuse continues to grow at alarming rates both in New York State and throughout the nation. The percentage of New York State high school students who reported using heroin has more than doubled in recent years (Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2005 and 2011). Addiction of any kind is a chronic disease and can happen to anyone, to any family and at any time. "By no means should this training be viewed as a problem in our schools but rather a recommendation from the commissioner of education," said Lawrence. "We can prepare or respond. We’d rather prepare." Students in need of help should contact a trusted adult such as a teacher, school nurse, guidance counselor, school psychologist, or physician. Additional resources can be found at the Combat Heroin website at oasas.ny.gov/accesshelp or by calling a 24 hour, 7 day a week hotline at 877-846-7369.
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 1991-2013 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data. Available at http://nccd.cdc.gov/youthonline/. Accessed on April 8, 2014.
Danielle Hawkins Middle School Assistant Principal - January 2015
Press Release...January 28, 2015
At their meeting on Monday, January 26, 2015, the Grand Island Central School District Board of Education unanimously appointed Danielle Wallenhorst Hawkins as the assistant principal for Veronica E. Connor Middle School. "The Board of Education met with Mrs. Hawkins before unanimously appointing her as the assistant principal of VCMS. After meeting with Danielle, it was apparent that her enthusiasm will be an asset to our middle school community," states Lisa Pyc, president of the Grand Island Central School District Board of Education.
Hawkins has been employed at the Charter School for Applied Technologies since 2008. She currently supports 36 new teachers as the coordinator of induction and retention and had previously served as a business teacher. In addition, she taught in the Buffalo Public Schools. Hawkins holds a master's degree in business and marketing education and also in educational leadership and policy from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo.
"Mrs. Hawkins comes to us with the instructional leadership experiences necessary for being an assistant principal. Her passion for teaching and understanding of the middle school philosophy were evident in her interviews. I have no doubt that Mrs. Hawkins and Mr. Fitzpatrick will make a great team," states Teresa Lawrence, superintendent of Grand Island Central School District. Hawkins says, "I'm so thankful for this opportunity! I could not be more excited to be joining the Connor Middle School team. Everyone has been so welcoming and Grand Island already feels like home. I look forward to working with our staff, parents and community members to help each VCMS student reach their potential." Hawkins will begin her service to the Grand Island Central School District on February 2, 2015.
