GCCSD News and Updates - April 2026
Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to continue learning alongside our students and staff, and I am continually inspired by the care, creativity and commitment I see across the district. From performances like Singin’ in the Rain to hands-on learning experiences and community-wide events, our Spartans continue to show what it means to learn, lead and support one another.
This month also brings exciting opportunities to come together as a community. Whether it’s celebrating the opening of Spartan Park, participating in Spirit Week, attending our first-ever Comic Con or supporting student events like the Spartan Way 5K, there are many ways to connect and show your Spartan pride.
As we move through the final stretch of the school year, our focus remains on continuous growth — ensuring that every student feels supported, every staff member feels valued and every family feels connected to our work.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
With GC Pride,
Dr. Mitchell J. Ball
Superintendent of Schools
Eggs-cellent learning 🐣
BINGO Stars ⭐
Learning through play 🛝
Love of reading 📖
Building bridges 🌉
Music, laughter and a little bit of rain! ☔
Celebrate. Belong. Persist. 🌟
Teachers wanted 🍎
Gates Chili hosted Rochester Teacher Recruitment Day, an event that offered interviews for future educators. There were 30+ local school districts in attendance.
Spartan Strong 🩵
Tell us a little about yourself.
Dr. Ball: I’m Dr. Mitch Ball and I’m proud to serve as the new superintendent here in Gates Chili! I was born and raised in the Rochester area and family has always been a big part of who I am. I’m married to a K-2 school counselor and we have a son and a daughter. I’m also the middle of five siblings, so I grew up in a busy household. Service has always been important in my family — my mom worked in the school counseling office and my grandfather was a deacon — and that upbringing, along with my faith, helped shape my belief that things have a way of working out as they should.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Dr. Ball: I love being outdoors — whether that’s running, hiking or just getting out into the woods with my family. I’m an avid runner and enjoy endurance challenges like ultra marathons, triathlons and adventure races. A few years ago, I ran 100 miles across the Rocky Mountains, which was an incredible experience. I also enjoy working with my hands, whether that’s tackling home improvement projects or fixing things around the house.
What’s a fun fact about you that might surprise the Spartan community?
Dr. Ball: Over the years, I’ve had a wide range of experiences. I’ve delivered pizza, babysat and even built custom low-rider trucks. I used to ride dirt bikes and spent three years coaching high school wrestling at Pal-Mac. Those experiences taught me a lot about hard work, relationships and staying grounded.
What was your favorite subject when you were a student?
Dr. Ball: History was always my favorite subject, which is why I chose it for my undergraduate studies. It really challenged me to think and stay engaged. Interestingly, it wasn’t my highest grade — math came more naturally — but history pushed me in a different way. I’ve always appreciated that kind of challenge.
What role did your teachers play in shaping who you are today?
Dr. Ball: Since stepping into this role, I’ve been reflecting on the educators who shaped my experience as a student. My second-grade teacher, Mr. Giordano, helped me grow tremendously as a reader in just one year — a powerful reminder that it only takes one great teacher. Another was my high school history teacher, Mr. Russell, who inspired me to pursue education. And my high school counselor, Mrs. DeCann, who helped keep me on track and encouraged me to step into leadership, including running for class president. That experience was where I first saw the positive impact leadership can have — and it continues to shape the kind of leader I strive to be for our students, staff and school community today.
What excites you most about this new role?
Dr. Ball: I’m energized by the opportunity to take on new challenges and continue improving systems in ways that better support students and staff. Drawing on my experience in both education and the private sector, I enjoy finding ways to make things more effective and efficient while also strengthening our culture of care. That work connects directly to my “why” — creating environments where people feel supported, valued and able to do their best work, and where we’re continuously expanding opportunities for all students.
In your own words, what does it mean to be a Spartan?
Dr. Ball: To me, being a Spartan means committing to getting a little better every day. It’s about embracing growth and recognizing that learning never stops — for students and adults alike. It also means taking care of one another. We are a community, and continuing to build that sense of connection and support is essential to who we are and who we want to be.
This is the final component of the budget development process, which begins each fall. Once the district receives word on how much state aid is expected, the board of education is expected to adopt the budget at its regular business meeting on Tuesday, April 21. Once adopted, district residents will have the opportunity to vote on it at the annual budget vote on Tuesday, May 19.
Meanwhile, the district is still accepting petitions for Board of Education candidates. Four (4) seats on the Gates Chili Board of Education are open for election this year:
- Three seats with terms from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029
- One seat with a term from May 20, 2026 to June 30, 2027
Celebrate the opening of Spartan Park with an evening of Spartan pride honoring our traditions and marking a home run moment as baseball and softball take the field for their home openers against the Churchville-Chili Saints.
📅 Thursday, April 9, 2026
📍 Spartan Park at Gates Chili Middle School
🕠 Ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
⚾ Baseball at 6 p.m. | 🥎 Softball at 6:15 p.m.
Tuesday, April 7 - Team Pride Day
Wear your favorite sports gear, jerseys, or team apparel.
Wednesday, April 8 - Team Throwback Day
Dress like a Spartan from another decade — think retro GC gear, vintage vibes, and old-school athletic style.
Thursday, April 9 - Team Up Day
Coordinate with a friend or small group by matching colors, themes, or outfits.
Friday, April 10 - Team GC Pride Day
Go all out in blue and white and/or Spartan gear to celebrate our Gates Chili community!
Step into a world of stories and adventure as you explore a variety of interactive stations and special guests, including authors and illustrators, local bookstores and comic vendors, live music, crafting, video games and more. Hear from guest readers, dive into hands-on activities and connect with fellow fans.
Come dressed as your favorite character and fully immerse yourself in the fun — costumes and cosplay are highly encouraged!
Students can also join a Minecraft experience (middle and high school only — please bring your school laptop).
You won't want to miss this exciting new event celebrating reading, creativity and community!
Help support the Gates Chili High School's Senior Prime Time event by registering for the Spartan Way 5k.
📅 Saturday, April 18
⌚ 9-11 a.m.
📍 Gates Chili Main Campus (Begin at Operations Center)
Cost:
- $5 for individual runners/walkers
- $10 for a family of five or fewer people
- $15 for a family of six or more people
Can't attend but want to support GCHS seniors? Donations are also being accepted at the registration link below.
Come cheer on your favorite Gates Chili elementary school as staff members volley for a good cause in the fourth annual staff volleyball tournament!
📅 Wednesday, April 22
🕐 5:30 p.m.
📍 Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School
🎟️ Admission cost is $1 per person / $5 per family.
Proceeds will benefit the Gates Chili Education Foundation.
April 7: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPLC
April 9: HS Careers in Demand Breakfast, 8 a.m.
April 10: Celebrating Spartan Park: A Home Run for our Community, 5:30 p.m., Spartan Park
April 14-15: NYS 3-8 Assessment Window
April 16: Gates Chili Comic Con, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Spartan Field House
April 16: MS Talent Show, 7 p.m., GCPAC
April 18: Spartan Way 5k, 9-11 a.m., Gates Chili Main Campus (Begin at Operations Center)
April 21: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPLC
April 21-22: NYS 3-8 Assessment Window
April 22: Elementary Volleyball Tournament, 5:30 p.m., Spartan Field House
April 22: HS Band Spring Concert, 7:30 p.m., GCPAC
April 24: #GCPride Day
April 28: HS Grade 8 to 9 Transition Night, 6:30 p.m., GCPAC
April 28-30: NYS 3-8 Assessment Window
April 30: NA Family Fun Night, 5:30 p.m.
Position spotlight: Mathematics Teacher (Job ID 1430)
Gates Chili Central School District is seeking a Mathematics Teacher to join our team for the 2026–2027 school year. This full-time, 10-month position focuses on supporting student success through engaging instruction, differentiated learning and a strong commitment to equity and culturally responsive teaching practices.
The ideal candidate will create a positive and inclusive classroom environment, develop and deliver effective lessons aligned with New York State standards, and use data to guide instruction and support student growth. Strong communication with students, families and colleagues, along with a passion for continuous professional learning, are key components of this role.
This position offers a competitive starting salary of $44,500 (based on experience), along with eligibility for health, dental and vision insurance, as well as paid personal and sick time.
If you’re passionate about inspiring students and making a meaningful impact in the classroom, we encourage you to apply and join the Gates Chili team!
Instructional Staff Positions:
Job ID 1253: Teacher Aide for the 2025-26 school year
Job ID 1257: Substitute Support Staff
Job ID 1258: Substitute Teacher*
Job ID 1426: Earth Science Teacher (2026-27 School Year)
Job ID 1427: School Social Worker
Job ID 1428: ESOL Teacher (2026-27 School Year)
Job ID 1430: Mathematics Teacher (2026-27 School Year)
Support Staff Positions:
Job ID 789: Lifeguard
Job ID 1251: Bus Attendant for the 2025-26 school year
Job ID 1252: Bus Driver for the 2025-26 school year
Job ID 1254: Cleaner for the 2025-26 school year
Job ID 1255: Security Worker 2025-26 school year
Job ID 1256: Food Service Helper for the 2025-26 school year
Job ID 1415: Courier
*The Gates Chili Board of Education approved new,
increased rates for instructional substitutes. Click here for details.