Superintendent Update

Dear families:

March always keeps us on our toes, one day hinting at spring, the next reminding us winter isn’t quite ready to let go. But amid that unpredictability, it also gives us something steady and meaningful: A chance to celebrate the people and programs that make our district so special.

This month, we proudly recognize Women’s History Month, offering a time to honor the countless women who have shaped our district’s past and who continue to strengthen it every single day. Across West Irondequoit, their impact is everywhere. It lives in strong, thoughtful leadership, in classrooms filled with care and high expectations, in the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our schools running smoothly, and in the daily encouragement and support our students receive. These contributions are often quiet but always powerful, creating an environment where children feel supported and inspired to grow. We are better because of them, and we are grateful.

March is also Music in Our Schools Month, and what a remarkable celebration it has been. Our students and staff have filled our schools with energy, creativity, and connection through music. From exceptional districtwide concerts to daily classroom experiences, the joy of music is alive throughout all of our ten schools. And this year’s high school production of The Hello Girls was nothing short of extraordinary, including an unforgettable performance that showcased not only incredible talent but also the dedication, passion, and pride that define our performing arts program, paired with some stunning sets and choreography. It was truly something special.

At the same time, this remains a busy and productive stretch across the district. We are making meaningful progress in our capital planning efforts and moving crucial conversations forward around our strategic plan, all while staying grounded in the day-to-day work that matters most, supporting our students and staff. It is this balance of planning for the future while fully investing in the present that helps us maintain the quality our community has come to expect. I continue to be incredibly proud of the people, the performance, and the sense of purpose that is exemplified by our overall peak performance.

Thank you for being such an important and involved part of it. Please read below for more updates!

In partnership,
Aaron R. Johnson, Ed. D
Superintendent of Schools

Find all Superintendent Updates on our website under Superintendent Update.

Tomorrow (March 27) students in grades K-4 have a half-day of school because of Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences. Release times:

11:30 AM

• Iroquois (4th only)
• Colebrook
• Listwood
• Seneca

NOON

• Rogers (4th only)
• Southlawn
• Briarwood
• Brookview

Note: Briarwood PreK dismisses at 11:30 AM and Seneca at noon.

Our district and Board of Education have been engaged in a thorough budget development process over the past several months, which culminates with our annual Budget Vote and Board of Education election on Tuesday, May 19. Based on current projections aligned with the Governor’s proposed budget, we are anticipating a budget gap of just over $2.4 million. To responsibly address this, we plan on utilizing unappropriated fund balance and portions of our reserves, while also reducing anticipated expenditures in areas not directly tied to instruction, such as select maintenance projects, as well as some supplies and materials. Additionally, we have adjusted staffing projections by reducing some planned supplemental positions based on careful review of need and effectiveness, while avoiding layoffs this year.

We are mindful of taking a balanced approach that prioritizes the integrity of our instructional program while making sure we do not become over reliant on the use of reserves. It is crucial to note that rising health care costs have had a significant impact on this year’s budget and are expected to remain a challenge in the years ahead. The projected tax cap is 2%, and the budget will also include propositions related to our annual Maintenance Capital Project focused on improvements such as mechanical systems and roofing at an elementary school and an energy performance contract. That second part is aimed at increasing the efficiency of our energy use at no additional cost to taxpayers.

We encourage all community members to stay informed (westirondequoit.org), with more details to be shared in our Budget Newsletter in early May, and to attend our Budget Hearing on May 7.

Our Board of Education will have two seats available in this year’s election, which runs alongside our annual Budget Vote on Tuesday, May 19 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the St. Paul Fire Blvd. Dept. For key dates, go to our District Vote page. To learn more about how to become a Board candidate, including qualifications and expectations, click this link. Petitions are due by 5 pm. April 20.

Our Board of Education recently commissioned a transportation study in response to community interest, and after a thorough request-for-proposal (RFP) process, we have partnered with Transportation Advisory Services, a highly experienced local firm, to conduct this work. The study is already underway and includes a comprehensive review of our transportation system, including policies and procedures, daily operations, financial efficiency, contracted services, management and staffing, routing efficiency, bell times, and student walk zones.

The team also will explore the feasibility of introducing some level of a district-owned fleet in the future. It is currently gathering information, conducting analyses, and will conduct on-site interviews. We anticipate receiving its recommendations by the end of this school year, which will allow the Board to consider next steps in planning for the 2027–2028 budget cycle.

Thank you to our community and dedicated staff who gave up their morning on March 6 to contribute to our Strategic Plan Community Design Day. In the coming weeks, the ILO Group we are working with will collaborate with our admin team to formulate the final Strategic Plan for the next five years and get it ready to share with you and the community later this spring.

The West Irondequoit Central PTSA is currently seeking nominations for its annual Honorary Life Award, the highest honor a PTA can bestow upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service and advocacy for children.

• Criteria: Individuals who have significantly promoted the well-being of children through education, health, safety, or legislation.
• Nomination Form: https://www.wicptsa.org/honorary-life-award-nomintation/
• Deadline: April 11, 2026
• Awards Presentation: Tuesday, June 16 at 7 PM

If you'd like to nominate a WICSD Staff Member for our quarterly Golden Feather award, please use this link: https://forms.office.com/r/57yFY8fr7k. The award honors employees whose contributions shine with excellence and care and make a meaningful impact on students, families and colleagues. These staffers embody the cornerstones of our district’s mission to “Welcome, Nurture and Inspire.”

Q2 winners will be announced soon. Read about Q1 winners here.

West Irondequoit Community Education offers a variety of options for you and your family, and Spring/Summer registration is now open! Sign up today for your favorite classes and programs. Please note: Swim lessons have a separate registration date. See more via this link.

FOR SWIMMING
Spring Registration Opens: April 22
Summer Registration Opens: May 13

Click this link for more.

Email: public_info@westiron.monroe.edu
Website: westirondequoit.org
Location: 321 List Avenue, Irondequoit, NY, USA
Phone: 585-342-5500

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