Superintendent Update

Dear families:

I am pleased to report that our classrooms and schools are buzzing with energy and excitement this spring. One of my greatest joys is getting out and about to observe the countless activities happening. When talking to students, especially upperclass students, they can report exactly how many days of instruction are left. Honestly, many of our adults know, too!

We hope to see YOU at these events. Your participation is not just welcomed, it's invaluable. We are so glad to see our families contributing to our vibrant school community.

At the district level, our focus is on the upcoming Budget Vote and Board of Education election on May 21 at the St. Paul Fire Dept. from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. This is a crucial event that shapes the future of our school district. We are grateful to host at the fire hall again this year. This family newsletter includes related budgetary information for you. The annual budget edition of "The Quote" newsletter will arrive in your mailboxes soon and is loaeded with information. It's already available on our website at THIS LINK.

Between The Quote, our expanded website and our Budget Hearing on May 9, we aim to provide you with all the information you need to place a well-informed vote. That includes details on a new annual Maintenance Capital Project, which will be Proposition #1 on the ballot.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to call our Business Office (585-336-2993) or me (585-336-2983). Before I conclude, I want to take a moment to give a shout out to the outstanding achievements of our students and staff. They have been shining brightly in various areas, and we couldn't be prouder. Read about them below in our HIGHLIGHTS section!

I hope that we are past all the April showers. Here's to the May flowers! May they bloom brightly like our students!

In partnership,

Aaron R. Johnson, Ed.D

Superintendent of Schools

There are three separate referendums to consider:

• District Budget for the 2024-25 school year
• Proposition #1 – Maintenance Capital Project ($1.62 million)
  
• Board of Education election (4 candidates for 3 seats)

Read more information on each at the new District Vote page on our website. There are links to Budget presentations and videos. You also are welcome to attend our School Budget Hearing, 7 PM Thursday, May 9. The Maintenance Capital Project will fund renovations at Brookview Elementary. “The Quote” budget newsletter is chock full of information on the vote. Read it online here.

Four candidates are running for three seats in the May 21 Board of Education election. The four residents: Gary Adams, Kevin Schoepfel, Kate Copeland and Tamara Wall. That order for the ballot was determined by a blind draw on April 23. For bios, including their Candidate Statement, go to the district BOE Election page. The vacancies are the result of three-year terms expiring for Justin Connor, Matt Metras (Board President) and Rosa Vargas-Cronin.

WICPTSA Candidates’ Night

• Monday, May 13, 6:30 p.m.

• Irondequoit HS small cafeteria

• Watch later on-demand: bit.ly/WICSD_YouTube

Due to a backlog of statewide school submissions, as of late April we are still awaiting approval from the NYS Education Dept. on the $19 million R.I.S.E. Capital Project (approved May 2023). However, below is an updated and approximate work timeline:

Summer 2024:

• Install playgrounds at Rogers and Iroquois
• Replace HVAC at Rogers

Fall 2024:

• Begin Dept. of Environmental Services Lakeview site renovations at 330 Pattonwood Drive
• Begin second-story walkway between Dake Jr. HS and IHS

Winter 2024-25:

• Begin Dake interior door replacement
• Begin Iroquois Library Renovation

Spring 2025:

• Begin Rogers Library Renovation
• Complete Dake interior door replacement

Summer 2025:

• Begin IHS Auditorium rigging/lighting replacement
• Replace HVAC equipment at Dake, IHS & Iroquois
• Complete second-story walkway between Dake Jr. HS & IHS
• Complete D.O.E.S. work at Lakeview
• Complete Iroquois Library renovation

Fall 2025:

• Complete IHS Auditorium rigging/lighting replacement
• Complete HVAC equipment replacement at Dake, IHS & Iroquois

Winter 2025-26:

• Complete Rogers Library renovation
• Project closeout

Forty-two local veterans and 110 students participated in “A Living History,” the second annual event that welcomed former military members to IHS for a unique educational experience. Veterans shared stories in small groups and talked about their lives before, during and after serving. WATCH THE CHANNEL 8 STORY

Karen Mazzola and her team at Helmer Nature Center are West Irondequoit's Act For Education Community Champion Award winner. Karen has worked at Helmer for 23 years, including the last 16 as its Director. Before that, she was Events Coordinator. Helmer is unique. It's our 45-acre “outdoor classroom.” Field trips are part of the science curriculum. It’s a place for students to learn about the environment, wildlife and their habitat. Helmer has several easy-to-hike trails and plenty of space for snow shoeing in the winter, but it also brings the community together with annual events like its popular fall festival and maple weekend each March. HNC just recently pulled off its biggest event ever - the "Eclipse Fest: Together in Totality," on April 8th. In the middle of it all, using her wealth of experience and tireless work ethic, is Mrs. Mazzola. She is a lifelong resident and 1980 Irondequoit HS graduate. West Irondequoit schools, children and community are better because of you! Congratulations, Karen!

Email: public_info@westiron.monroe.edu
Website: westirondequoit.org
Location: 321 List Avenue, Irondequoit, NY, USA
Phone: 585-342-5500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestIrondequoitCSD
Twitter: @WestIrondequoit