THE QUOTE
May 2026 - Special District Budget Edition
As we present next year's proposed budget, we do so with a deep awareness of the economic strain felt across our community. Rising costs are stretching household budgets, and we know those pressures are real and personal for our families, and they are felt within our schools as well. In this moment, building a responsible budget means more than balancing numbers; it demands empathy, discipline, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the opportunities and supports our students depend on every day.
Our core responsibility is to balance a peak-performing educational program with disciplined, responsible spending. Each year, we build a budget that reflects our community’s values, preserves strong learning opportunities, and maintains long-term financial stability. A significant factor in that work: Personnel and benefits make up the largest portion of our budget, with healthcare costs representing a major and growing expense. This year, those costs have risen well beyond recent trends, placing added pressure on school systems. For many districts, that has meant difficult decisions, such as reducing staff or scaling back programs that directly impact students.
Because we have carefully planned and managed our finances over the past few years, we have avoided those tough cuts. Our long-term approach has helped us manage these pressures without detracting from our students’ learning or support services. Still, we know these challenges are ongoing, so we need to keep planning ahead to stay stable in the future.
Three years ago, we promised to strengthen leadership and support in our elementary schools by adding assistant principals. We started this last year, and it is already making a real difference for students, staff, and families. At the same time, we are seeing more students needing help with mental health and social-emotional issues, more complex learning programs, and more students needing special services. As local service providers face their own challenges, schools are being asked to step in and help even more.
Our district has been intentional in preparing for this moment. The strategic plan we are now completing has not only guided our programs and financial decisions but has also kept us grounded in what matters most: Delivering a strong educational experience for every student. At the same time, we are looking ahead, finalizing a five-year plan and a comprehensive facilities master plan designed to elevate and modernize our learning environments to reflect the high standards our community expects and deserves.
West Irondequoit has long been a destination district, one that families seek out for its reputation for excellence, opportunity, and care for the whole child. In an era when families have more choices than ever about where to live and where to educate their children, we take that responsibility seriously. Our goal is not simply to maintain that legacy, but to build on it to ensure our schools and community continue to stand out across the region as a place where students thrive, staff excel, and pride runs deep.
This year’s budget reflects our efforts. We have tried to use our reserves only when necessary, focusing on maintaining our buildings and meeting important needs. We have also stayed within the tax cap, which is part of our goal to offer a budget that is responsible and has community support. You will also see two additional propositions that support improved energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term investment in the health of our schools. These steps will ensure the viability of our schools for years to come.
Collectively, we are proud of our accomplishments and thankful for our community’s ongoing support. In West Irondequoit, education is foundational, and our schools are the heart of our community. This budget shows both the challenges we face now and our shared promise to give every student the opportunities and supports they deserve to succeed, now and in the years ahead.
Investing Smarter: Understanding our Energy Performance Contract
Over the past year, our Board of Education has been pursuing a long-term Energy Performance Contract (EPC) with a company called, Energy Systems Group. Voter approval of Proposition #2 will authorize our district to request an additional 10% in state aid for the contract. If approved, the contract would mean approximately $2.5 million in savings over the next 18 years.
What is an EPC?
It’s a long-term contract and strategy to improve facilities while controlling costs. An EPC allows us to make capital improvements to enhance energy efficiency through upgrades to lighting, heating and cooling systems, insulation and building controls, without increasing the financial burden on taxpayers as we maintain and enhance high-quality learning environments. Another benefit: Work on enhancing our systems would be done in the coming years, not over the length of the contract.
It means adding roof-mounted solar panels. It means replacing old lights with new, LED lights (think about how many lights are needed each day in each room of our 10 schools). It means more modern and efficient HVAC and control systems, among other enhancements. These improvements reduce electricity and gas expenses and decrease water use and the cost of upgrades is paid over time using guaranteed savings from lower energy bills. Instead of paying high utility costs for outdated systems, we invest in efficient equipment and infrastructure that lowers bills and use those savings to fund upgrades.
Forward-Thinking Approach
A key EPC feature is accountability. Energy savings are measured and guaranteed in future years, protecting the district if projected savings are not achieved. This structure enables us to make meaningful improvements now without increasing the community’s financial burden or taxes, while also supporting environmental sustainability by reducing energy use. EPCs help us do what we strive for daily: Make thoughtful, efficient decisions that support our students, respect our taxpayers, and invest wisely in the future of our schools.
GARY ADAMS
Address: 135 Glenmont Drive
E-mail: garyadams6278@gmail.com
Age: 46
Family:
Son – Isaac, 10th grade, Irondequoit HS
Daughter – Elle, 8th grade, Dake Jr. HS
Son – Eli, 5th grade, Iroquois MS
Son – Ari, 3rd grade, Southlawn ES
Occupation:
Engineering Manager at Baldwin Richardson Foods
Education:
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, RIT
M.B.A., Master of Business Administration with leadership focus, RIT
Community Involvement:
Town of Irondequoit Conservation Board Member, 2018 – 2020, & 2025 - present
Town of Irondequoit Audit Committee Member, 2017 – present
Genesee Conservation Foundation Board Member (secretary), 2024 - present
Assistant Cubmaster, Irondequoit Cub Scout Pack 420, 2024 - present
New York State Wedding Officiant, 2015 – present
Various school activities/events
Volunteer for Sunset House 5K & Johnny’s 5K races
Candidate Statement:
“My name is Gary Adams, and I am running for the school board because I believe that our children deserve the best possible education. As a parent of four children in the district, I'm aware of the challenges that our students and teachers face. I believe that providing a comprehensive education that includes both academic and real-world skills is critical. I'm committed to promoting innovative programs that promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will prepare students for a rapidly changing world. I plan on leveraging my experiences as a technical leader in business to be a good steward of the district’s finances, which includes identifying, prioritizing, and executing Capital Projects including long- and short-term maintenance plans for the buildings. I believe it's important for members of the school board to collaborate with others, ask tough questions, listen, and learn. This will allow us to make decisions that benefit all the children in the district. I appreciate you considering me for school board, and I look forward to earning your vote.”
JOHN VAY
Address: 25 Parr Circle
Email: johntvay@gmail.com
Age: 58
Family:
Spouse – Colleen Vay, Rogers Middle School teacher for 29 years
Son – T.J., 2016 IHS graduate
Daughter – Maggie, teacher, Southlawn School; 2019 IHS graduate
Daughter – Becca, 2020 IHS graduate
Occupation:
Assistant Director, Clinical Engineering, University of Rochester Medical Center
Education:
Degree from Simmons School of Mortuary Science
NYS Licensed Funeral Director
Apprenticeship from Kodak in Electrical Instrumentation
Community Involvement:
West Irondequoit CSD Board of Education member since 2007
West Irondequoit CSD Board of Education President 2017-20
West Irondequoit CSD Board liaison to Helmer Nature Center
IHS Lacrosse Booster club member
IHS Volleyball Booster club member
Helmer Nature Center member & volunteer
St. Kateri Parish member
Son of American Legion Post 468 member
Candidate Statement:
“I am proud to seek continued service on the West Irondequoit Board of Education, a role I have held since 2007. As a graduate of Irondequoit High School's Class of 1986, this district is not just where I work – it is where I was shaped, and it remains close to my heart. For nearly two decades, I have worked tirelessly alongside fellow board members, administrators, educators, and families to ensure West Irondequoit remains a district known for excellence in learning, thoughtful decision-making, and strong community values. I am deeply committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities for all students while maintaining fiscal responsibility and respecting the trust placed in us by taxpayers. As a lifelong member of this community, I bring experience, continuity, and a steadfast focus on what matters most: student success, responsible stewardship of resources, and a school district that reflects the pride and values of West Irondequoit. I would be honored to continue serving our schools and our community.”
What is the “PLAN Pilot” program?
We are one of just 23 districts participating in the NYS Education Department’s Performance-Based Learning and Assessment Networks Pilot, or PLAN Pilot. The goal of this pilot is to help schools develop Performance-Based Learning and Assessments (PBLA) and explore whether students can show readiness for life after high school through projects, presentations, work experiences, and hands‑on learning – instead of just testing. It’s tied to NYSED’s Portrait of a Graduate initiative, which redefines what a student should be able to do when they finish high school. This was introduced at Irondequoit HS in 2024-25 for Global I (Grade 9 social studies) and expanded this school year to Biology (Grade 9 science) and for Grade 12, classes in Government, Economics and English Humanities.
To learn more, go to nysed.gov/plan-pilot/pilot-school-spotlight
Music In Our Schools
For the 19th straight year and 25th time in the past 27 years, West Irondequoit has earned the distinction as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in America! The designation is from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation and it’s announced each spring. Congratulations to our talented students and hard-working music staff!
Pictured: The Irondequoit High School Jazz Choir “Gold N' Blues,” at its annual performance in the Monroe County Holiday Concert Series in downtown Rochester.
They’re all “business”
For the 14th straight year, Irondequoit High School earned a Top 100 ranking from W!SE for excellence in teaching financial literacy. The announcement, made by W!SE in April, was based on work submitted for the 2024-25 school year by students in the IHS Career & Financial Management Class. W!SE stands for Working In Support of Education. IHS has been teaching personal finance for decades in the CFM course, so it is well-positioned to meet the new expectations in the “Portrait of a Graduate” initiative. Learning for students who join the DECA club is also beneficial. In fact, seven members from IHS earned spots in the DECA International World Conference in Atlanta in late April. They are front row (left to right) Brooke Trovato, Gianna Geesler, Elena Lamanna; back row, Isaac Amymerich, Isaac Nielsen, Ben Long and Ben Loomis.
West Irondequoit Performing Arts
Did you know West Irondequoit Performing Arts has expanded its production schedule in recent years from four to seven shows? In addition to the traditional performances of the Dake (fall) and IHS (spring) musicals and the IHS fall and spring plays, Rogers and Iroquois middle schools have added musicals. This spring, Rogers performed “Lion King Kids” (pictured) and the Iroquois musical was “Seussical Kids.” Both shows sold out by mid-week. The IHS Spring play is “The Bookstore,” and on stage May 29-31; the Dake Drama Club presents, “Hard Boiled: A Nursery Crime,” June 4-6. Tickets will be available at westironpa.ludus.com.
Golden Apple Awards
Congratulations to Irondequoit High School teacher, Peter Chupak, and Rogers Middle School teacher, Alyssa Arcarisi, on recently receiving the prestigious Golden Apple Award from WROC-TV (Channel 8). Our district has had 13 teachers earn the honor in the past seven years! Mr. Chupak (pictured at right), who has specialized in teaching auto mechanics for 25 years, is also advisor to the IHS “Torque Club.” Miss Arcarisi, who teaches fourth grade, has taught at Rogers for 12 years and actually attended the school as a child.
WICPTSA
West Irondequoit’s annual PTA Honorary Life Awards will be 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 16 at the IHS Campus Center (small cafeteria). Please join us as special individuals from our school and community are recognized with the highest honor a PTA can bestow. Last year’s honorees were Kathryn Copeland, a former West Irondequoit Central PTSA President, and current School Board Member; longtime IHS Business Teacher and DECA advisor, Lou DiCesare and Monica Suter, who has handled auditing and taxes for the WICPTSA for 26-plus years for free.
Joining WICPTSA is a powerful way to demonstrate your support for a high quality of education for our students and a meaningful partnership with parents/guardians, teachers, and administration. Eleven of your $15 membership fee stays here in West Irondequoit and supports students and families at all 10 schools. Join via this link: wicptsa.org.
