GCCSD News and Updates - May 2025

Dear Gates Chili School Community,

As lilacs begin to bloom across Rochester and the season’s signature fragrance fills the air, we’re reminded that May is a time of growth, celebration and reflection. Our schools are buzzing with end-of-year excitement as students prepare to showcase all they’ve learned and accomplished.

Next week marks Staff Appreciation Week, and I hope you’ll join me in recognizing the incredible Spartan staff who show up each day to support, teach and inspire our students. Their dedication is the heart of our district, and I am endlessly grateful for the difference they make in the lives of our children and families. A kind word or small gesture of appreciation can go a long way—during this week or anytime.

May also gives us the opportunity to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. It’s a time to honor the stories, cultures and contributions of AAPI individuals and communities—both in our schools and across the country. At Gates Chili, we are proud to celebrate the rich diversity that strengthens and enriches our district.

Finally, we are just weeks away from the Annual Budget Vote and Board of Education Election on Tuesday, May 20. Despite rising costs across the state, the proposed 2025-26 budget remains within the tax cap and continues to support rigorous instruction, student supports, and well-rounded learning experiences in academics, arts and athletics. Read on for more details, including how to vote and ways to stay informed.

Thank you for your continued support. There is much to celebrate and even more to look forward to as we wrap up another great year in our Spartan community.

Go Spartans!

Christopher J. Dailey

Superintendent of Schools

The Gates Chili school community is made up of more than 3,700 students and 900+ staff members! Get ready to peek into the world of our Spartans in our e-newsletter segment: Ask the Spartans!

This month, meet Somai M., a fifth-grader in Mr. Romeo’s class at Florence Brasser Elementary School. Somai shared her excitement about the many opportunities and responsibilities that come with being in fifth grade, and an eagerness for the new opportunities to come in middle school next year.

What’s your favorite part of being in fifth grade?

Somai: All the opportunities and new things to learn. I also love how mature it feels to be in fifth grade.

What is your favorite thing you’ve learned so far this year?

Somai: I’ve really enjoyed math class. We’ve been learning about how to divide fractions, and it’s challenging but we’ve learned so much.

Is math your favorite subject?

Somai: No, my favorite subject is reading. I love to read.

What’s your favorite book?

Somai: Probably the book we’re reading in class right now. It’s “Holes” [by Louis Sachar].

What makes it your favorite?

Somai: It’s just so interesting, and there’s always a cliffhanger to leave you wanting to know more!

The weather has been beautiful lately! Have you been enjoying recess outside?

Somai: Yes! I love playing soccer with all my friends, and other students. It's been a fun way to meet kids from other classes and build community.

Is there anything you’re looking forward to at the end of the school year?

Somai: I’m really excited to go to Seabreeze. It’ll be fun to go on a big trip like that.

You’ll be heading to middle school next year. What are you looking forward to?

Somai: I’m excited to switch to a new school and all the new experiences that it will bring, like new classes, new teachers and meeting new people!

In your words, what does it mean to be a Brasser Bear?

Somai: Being respectful, kind, compassionate and showing empathy to others. If someone is sad or upset, try your best to cheer them up.

Gates Chili is proud to welcome Lisa Young as the district’s next Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics.

Young, a proud Spartan alumna, returns to her roots with a wealth of experience and a deep passion for student success. She comes to Gates Chili from the Attica Central School District, where she served as athletic director, physical education teacher and varsity coach.

Pending Board of Education approval on May 6, Young will begin her work with the district this June, overseeing physical education and health programs , while also leading the district’s athletic offerings. Her goal is to ensure every student has access to high-quality instruction and opportunities to grow through wellness, teamwork and sport.

“As both a coach and athletic director, I’ve seen how athletics and wellness programs can shape students’ confidence, perseverance and sense of belonging,” Young shared. “I’m honored to return home and lead programs that empower students to build lifelong fitness habits and thrive both on and off the field.”

Young is known for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to inclusivity. She plans to work closely with staff, families and the community to promote programs that reflect the district’s values and meet the needs of all students.

We're less than three weeks away from the Annual Budget Vote and Board Election on Tuesday, May 20. The vote will take place at the Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School, 1 Spartan Way, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

If you have lived in the district for at least 30 days immediately preceding the vote, are at least 18 years old, and are a citizen of the United States, you are eligible to vote.

Eligible residents will vote on the following:

On May 20, voters will also elect three candidates to serve on the Board of Education. The three candidates with the highest number of votes will be elected to three-year terms ending in June 2028. The four candidates, pictured below in ballot order, are: Tanya Srbinovski (incumbent), Jahmar Elliott, Andrea Minchella and Dr. Christine Brown Richards (incumbent).

Tonight, May 1, the district is hosting an opportunity for community members to learn more about the budget and candidates running for the Board of Education. The Public Budget Hearing will kick off at 6 p.m. in the Gates Chili Professional Learning Center (GCPLC), followed directly by the Meet the Candidates Night at approximately 6:30 p.m. Both events will be streamed live and recorded.

🔗 Public Budget Hearing

🔗 Meet the Candidates Night

Next week, district residents will be receiving the budget issue of the district newsletter in the U.S. mail. It features information about the 2025-26 budget, information about the candidates running for the Board of Education, as well as many stories of the outstanding successes and opportunities available to our students and staff. Extra copies will also be available in every school's main office, as well as the Gates Chili District Office.

Prefer your budget information in video format? The award-winning budget education series, “A Bit of Budget” is back for a fifth year! This year’s three-part series kicks off TODAY with episode 1 (see below). In it, Assistant Superintendent for Business Dr. Mitchell Ball explains various parts of our school budget and how they all work together to support student learning. New episodes will be shared on the district YouTube channel and on the district’s social media platforms on May 6 and May 13.

This summer, Gates Chili will begin upgrading all district devices to Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system. This is a required update as Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 later this year.

The transition will be handled automatically for most devices, but some families and staff will need to take specific action to ensure their devices update properly.

Who needs to take action this summer?
Students in grades 6-8 and 10-12 and all teachers who bring laptops home for the summer must:

• Leave laptops ON and connected to Wi-Fi starting June 30
• Keep the device plugged in and online until the update begins (this could take several hours and may not start immediately)

This ensures the upgrade happens before the start of school. Devices not updated over the summer may cause delays or disruptions in September.

Who does NOT need to take action?

• Students in grades K-5 and grade 9 will receive updated devices in the fall
• Technology staff will update on-campus devices over the summer

A detailed FAQ will be available soon at gateschili.org/Windows11. For questions, contact the Technology Help Desk.

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

Jewish Heritage Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

National Military Appreciation Month

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

May 1: Budget Public Hearing and Meet the Candidates Night, 6 p.m., GCPLC

May 5: HS Tri-M Recital, 7 p.m., GCPAC

May 5-16: HS AP Exams

May 6: BOE Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPLC

May 7: PR Band and Chorus Spring Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC

May 8: FB Band and Chorus Spring Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC

May 11: Mother’s Day

May 14: MS Senior Citizen Dinner, 4-6 p.m., GCMS Cafeteria

May 14: WD Band and Chorus Spring Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC

May 15: HS Award Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., GCPAC

May 16: HS Junior Prom

May 16: HS Senior Ball and Prime Time

May 16: MS Grade 6 Fun Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

May 20: Annual Budget Vote and Board Election, 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Spartan Field House at GCHS

May 20: MS Grade 5 to 6 Transition Night, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., GCMS

May 26: Memorial Day – District Closed

May 27: BOE Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPLC

May 28: HS Spring Choral Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC

May 30: #GCPride Day

May 30-31: NYSSMA Solofest

Always be sure to check the district website for the
most up-to-date dates, times and locations for all events.

Gates Chili is hosting its annual Support Staff Hiring Event again this summer!

📅 Thursday, July 10

⏰ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 4-6 p.m.

📍 Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School:

💙 Learn more about the perks of being a Spartan

❓ Take part in an on-site interview with next-day follow-up

Gates Chili is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions. Click the button below to apply or share the opportunity with someone you know!

Job ID 1069: Teacher Aide for the 2024-25 school year

Job ID 1070: Substitute Support Staff

Job ID 1071: Substitute Teacher*

Job ID 1196: Building Substitute Teacher

Job ID 1205: Elementary Special Education Teacher - CT and a 12:1:1 vacancy for the 2025-2026 School Year

Job ID 1206: Secondary Special Education Teacher - CT plus Literacy/Reading certified preferred and a 15:1 vacancy for the 2025-2026 School Year

Job ID 1208: Elementary General Education Teacher (2025-2026 school year)

Job ID 1209: Fall - Boys Soccer Head Coach

Job ID 1210: Fall - Varsity Football Assistant Coach

Job ID 1211: Fall - Diving Coach (Boys and Girls)

Job ID 789: Lifeguard

Job ID 1065: Cleaner for the 2024-25 school year

Job ID 1066: Food Service Helper for the 2024-25 school year

Job ID 1067: Bus Attendant for the 2024-25 school year

Job ID 1068: Bus Driver for the 2024-25 school year

Job ID 1137: Security Worker

Job ID 1204: School Aide: Cafeteria Monitor

Job ID 1207: 2025 Summer Facilities Help – Temporary

*The Gates Chili Board of Education approved new,