THE QUOTE

May 8 Budget Hearing, 7 p.m.

May 13 Candidates' Night, 6:30 p.m. at IHS

May 20 Budget Vote & Board of Education election

VOTE FROM 6 A.M. - 9 P.M. at the ST. PAUL BLVD. FIRE DEPT., 433 Cooper Road

Budget Increase: 7.28%

Tax Levy Increase: 2.73%

Estimated Tax Rate: $0.58 increase per $1,000 assessed value

2025-26 School Budget

The district will be authorized to expend the sum set forth in its estimate of expenditures for the 2025-26 school year in the amount of $100,611,335 and levy the necessary taxes therefore.

Maintenance Capital Project

Proposition #1 will spend up to $1.62 million for a new roof, HVAC rooftop unit and boiler at Briarwood Elementary.

Capital Reserve Proposition

Proposition #2 authorizes the district to open a new $20 million capital reserve for funds to be used over a ten-year period.

Board of Education Election

There are three candidates for two seats. Read more below.

Preparing to present the annual school budget to our community is a significant responsibility and a point of pride for our Board of Education and staff. This 2025-26 budget proposal is not just a financial document, but a reflection of our community's values and aspirations. It is a culmination of an almost yearlong process that begins with clearly established priorities fueled by ample input and inspiration from our staff, students, and you. Community contributions are invaluable, and we are grateful for your involvement. This precise accounting ensures a financially sound education program that our community can confidently support. It is not lost in the process that students and our schools are the bedrock of our pride and success in our community, and like years past, we aim to deliver on that promise.

Our district's unwavering dedication to supporting every student's well-being is a cornerstone of our educational approach. We recognize the growing mental health and social-emotional needs among our students, and we are committed to providing comprehensive support systems for all, regardless of the need, because our children deserve it. Recent data shows that 69 percent of public schools have reported an increase in mental health concerns, underscoring the need for such systems. As well-known educator, Dr. Howard Gardner, said, "The biggest mistake in teaching has been to treat all children as if they were the same and to teach them in the same way." Our district's commitment to creating a strong sense of connection among students is a testament to our belief in helping them become responsible, unique individuals with skills for now and the future. By providing opportunities that prepare children for diverse careers, higher education, and meaningful life experiences, we ensure they are ready to succeed in an ever-changing world.

This year's budget process required creative, purposeful planning to meet the growing needs of our students while preserving a comprehensive educational experience. This innovative approach is a testament to our commitment to adapting and flexing in changing times. It helped sustain the district's commitment to remain within the tax cap calculation despite balancing a volatile healthcare increase of more than 14 percent. Encapsulated within this, we are broadening services for students across the continuum, including more special education services to meet our population's growing needs. We also are preparing for coursework, such as Financial Literacy instruction, tied to expanded college and career pathways from the NYS Education Department's Portrait of a Graduate outline. Students will now graduate with more college and career credits than ever before resulting in a direct savings for families.

Students share with us their increased feeling of belonging thanks to our staff working to foster a shared community and strong sense of purpose. This is driven by right-sized state funding, which means funding for schools that better matches each unique community. In fact, next year's proposed budget is the first in many years in which the state's portion of funding outnumbers that of our local share.

We hope this year's budget edition of The Quote provides ample information for you to be an informed voter. Our budget plan strives to leverage all aspects to benefit our families and community. Strategies include maximizing BOCES aid for services such as technology, instructional support, and new Community Schools for next year to help offset costs. If passed, the Rogers/Southlawn campus will become a Community School or community "hub" to increase access and coordination with community-based services such as healthcare, food insecurity and more. This new initiative is also supported by a $150,000 local two-year grant secured by the district.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our community's educational journey. Your contributions, whether through feedback, volunteering, or simply being an engaged resident, are deeply appreciated and make a significant difference in our students' lives. If you have any questions while flipping through the pages of this edition, please do not hesitate to reach out directly.

Together, we will ensure a bright future for our students and thereby our community.

In partnership,

Aaron R. Johnson, Ed.D

Superintendent of Schools

aaron_johnson@westiron.monroe.edu

Tax Levy

The amount of money needed to balance the budget between expenditures and all other revenue. It is the total amount of revenue raised through property taxes.

Proposed Tax Levy Increase

The proposed tax levy increase to support the District Budget for the 2025-26 school year is 2.73%.

Projected Tax Levy: $45,666,465

Projected Rate per $1000 Assessed Value: $21.89

STAR Savings

Basic: $644

Enhanced: $1,789

The estimated basic school tax relief (STAR) exemption is authorized by section 425 of the Real Property Tax Law. The numbers listed above come from the NYS Office of Real Property Services website: Maximum 2025–2026 STAR exemption savings by school district: Monroe County

What if the district budget is not approved by voters?

A simple majority vote is required for the proposed budget to be approved, as the proposal meets the acceptable tax levy threshold for West Irondequoit with a 2.73% tax levy increase. The Board of Education could propose one more budget for voter approval, or it could elect to adopt a contingency bud- get. A contingency budget cannot contain a tax levy that is greater than the levy of the previous year.

School District Budget Notice

You will find the School District Budget Notice, as required by state law, in this newsletter. School districts must present their costs in three prescribed components, as defined above. A more detailed breakdown of expenses and revenues is provided above.

Budget Details

Budget information is on our website, westirondequoit.org. Look for the “Budget/BOE Vote 2025” tab on the main page. For more information, call (585) 342-5500.

The 2025-26 budget centers on following objectives:

• Balance enrollment changes at grade levels to maintain class sizes.

• Continue to follow Special Education mandates.

• Align curriculum and instruction resources as stated in the district’s Strategic Plan.

• Restore elements of the budget that had been reduced in the past

• Maintain a sustainable 5-year Financial Plan while staying within the Tax Levy Cap.

The maintenance of Foundation Aid through NYS updating its census/wealth data, embedded within the state aid formula, provides a predictable and sustained revenue source for our district. This has allowed for the rightsizing of budget elements and meeting targeted staffing objectives identified through a series of functional reviews. As part of those reviews, we are proposing hiring assistant principals to support our K-3 buildings, starting at Southlawn and Listwood. This new position will be shared and ensure that both buildings have a full-time administrative presence. Future budges will address a similar need for our four other K-3 buildings. To prepare for new graduation requirements tied to financial literacy, the district will be increasing a part-time business teacher position to full-time. Our English Language Learner population has grown, so there is also the need for an additional part-time position to support students. Finally, as the district continues to confront the ongoing bus driver shortage, the district will be hiring a second head bus driver. This position will help to reduce bus route disruptions when absences occur and increase customer service.

The budget also includes $100,000 for a Capital Outlay Exclusion Project (COEP) to make improvements at Iroquois Middle School. The proposed project will primarily address the renovation of the elevator at the school. Mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems associated with the elevator will all be upgraded through this project. We anticipate receiving more than $80,000 in state aid on this project, for the following budget year. Future budgets will target elevators in our other buildings.

WHAT:

For the second straight year, we have an annual Maintenance Capital Project (MCP) on the ballot (Proposition 1). The MCP is targeted for smaller projects for our schools, such as new roofs or heating/cooling upgrades. These projects are limited in scope and cost to ensure no impact on your taxes. Last year's MCP allowed us to repair the roof at Brookview. This year, it's the roof at BRIARWOOD ELEMENTARY. The repair cost is the same as Brookview ($1.62 million).

WHY:

By proactively addressing maintenance issues and not allowing our buildings to deteriorate, we avoid higher costs of future repairs. Our elementary schools were new 20 years ago. Now, they need work. Smaller projects, such as the Maintenance Capital Project, allow us to address maintenance projects that are too large for the Capital Outlay Exclusion Projects (limited to $100,000). They also better position us for larger projects, such as the R.I.S.E. Project and Promise Project 2027, and can address improving instructional spaces, facilities and programs.

HOW:

The MCP proposal for 2025-26 will help fortify Briarwood Elementary School. The cost is $1,620,000 (same as Brookview last year). It will fund a:

• New roof
• New HVAC unit (heating, ventilation, & air conditioning)
• New boiler

The roof membrane is weathered and there are many areas of exposed polyester scrim (see inset picture). Recent issues have caused roof leaks and disruptions to instruction from inadequate heating or cooling. Briarwood, Brookview, Colebrook, Listwood and Southlawn were new buildings 20 years ago. Now they need work to maintain them.

The second proposition on this year's ballot authorizes the district to open a new $20 million capital reserve to be used over a 10-year period. Capital reserves must be approved by the community and have specific parameters on amount and duration. It can be thought of as a savings account that helps us complete future improvements without impacting the tax levy.

The Promise Project 2027 was passed by voters in December 2024 and is currently in the planning phase but moving forward. The capital project has no tax impact because the district is using a combination of existing capital reserves and state aid to fund it, along with $1 million from the NYS assembly. The project includes renovations and new Pre-K/UPK classrooms at the Pinegrove Learning Center, next to Helmer Nature Center, a new baseball/softball turf athletic complex on our main (IHS/Dake) campus and a new JV baseball field. It's anticipated that most construction work would take place during summer 2026 and summer 2027, with substantial completion by Fall 2027. Learn more at westirondequoit.org (Capital Projects).

Three candidates are running for two seats on the Board of Education. The seven-member board is made up of community volunteers who serve three-year terms. All candidate biographical information appears in The Quote as it was submitted by each candidate. Names will appear on the ballot in the following order as drawn by lottery.

5 Michelle Drive

melissa.n.bohrer@gmail.com

Age: 47

Family:

Spouse – Brian Bohrer

Son – Charles (Charlie) Bohrer, 2023 graduate of IHS

Occupation:

Library Media Specialist, Ivan Green Primary School, East Irondequoit CSD

Education:

B.S. in English (Elementary Education Certification and Secondary English Certification) - SUNY Brockport

M.S. in Education (Special Education Certification) - Nazareth College

M.S. in Library Science (Library Media Specialist Certification) - St. John Fisher

Community Involvement:

• Member, School-Based Planning Team (Dake and Irondequoit HS)
• Member, West Irondequoit PTSA
• Volunteer, Scouts BSA Troop 233
• Volunteer, Brookview, Rogers, Dake, IHS School Activities/Events
• Volunteer, Asbury First United Methodist Church
• Equity Facilitator, East Irondequoit DEI Committee
• Member, West Irondequoit CSD Board of Education
• Board of Education Liaison, West Irondequoit Foundation
• Board of Education Liaison, The Teacher Learning Center Policy Board
• Board of Education Liaison, The Wellness Committee

Candidate Statement:

“Since moving to West Irondequoit in 2012, it has been my goal to give back to my community by serving on the West Irondequoit Board of Education. As a parent of a student in WI schools, I saw firsthand the incredible opportunities available to students in our district. After my son Charlies graduated from IHS in 2023, I felt the call again and was elected to the BOE in December 2023 to fill a vacant seat. During my time on the board, I have used my knowledge and understanding of public education to advocate for the students and the community of West Irondequoit. As a public-school educator, I understand the importance of access, inclusion and equity for all students and the role these elements play in building a thriving community of learners. I am asking for your support at the upcoming election and would be honored to continue to serve on the West Irondequoit Board of Education as an advocate for all the students of West Irondequoit."

77 Cranbrooke Drive

mattsully74@gmail.com

Age: 50

Family:

Wife - Jennifer Sullivan; 1st grade teacher, Brookview

Daughter - Emily Sullivan; 2020 IHS graduate; Pre-K Teaching Assistant, Briarwood

Son –Andrew; 2024 IHS graduate & freshman at SUNY Geneseo

Son - Brady; IHS sophomore

Occupation:

Vice President, Sales Executive, Alorica, Inc.

Education:

St. Anthony's High School, South Huntington, NY

SUNY College at Geneseo (1997)

Community Involvement:

• West Irondequoit Board of Education member (2019-present; President '24-25)
• Dake Jr. HS School Based Planning Team (2018-19)
• Irondequoit Junior Eagles Board of Directors (2012-13; President, Treasurer, Secretary, Community Relations & Coach)
• Irondequoit Little League (2014-17, Coach)
• Charlotte Youth Athletic Association (2008-13, Board of Directors and Coach)
• Avid Blood Donor (American Red Cross; 11-plus gallons lifetime)

Candidate Statement:

“It has been an amazing honor to serve our West Irondequoit community for the last 6 years in my role on the Board of Education. As the father of three students and the husband of a teacher in the district, I have experienced firsthand the incredible impact our staff has on the lives of the children in our community. Throughout my tenure, I have been a passionate advocate for our students, focused on ensuring they continue to have access to all the resources they need to be successful in their academic journeys. I have demonstrated a commitment to supporting our faculty and staff as they inspire our students to thrive and learn. I have brought my 20-plus years of business and budgeting experience to the table and partnered with our administration to deliver a budget that is fiscally responsible. I truly appreciate the trust our community has shown in me and I hope I have the opportunity to continue to support West Irondequoit as a member of our Board of Education for a third term."

135 Glenmont Drive

Garyadams6278@gmail.com

Age: 45

Family:

Son – Isaac, 9th grade, Irondequoit HS

Daughter - Elle, 7th grade, Dake Jr. HS

Son - Eli, 4th grade, Iroquois MS

Son – Ari, 2nd 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 and 2025-present
• Town of Irondequoit Audit Committee member, 2017–present
• Genesee Conservation Foundation Board member (secretary), 2024–present
• Asst. Cubmaster, Irondequoit Cub Scouts Pack 420, 2024–present
• NYS 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.”

Candidates' Night is Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Campus Center (small cafeteria at Irondequoit High School). To watch a video replay of the 2025 West Irondequoit Central PTSA Candidates' Night after May 13, go to the district YouTube channel at bit.ly/WICSD_YouTube.

Work has progressed on schedule for the $19 million R.I.S.E. Capital Project (approved by voters in 2023) since receiving NYS Education Dept. approval in July 2024. New middle school playground installations at Iroquois and Rogers were completed last summer. Work at our renovated Department of Environmental Services building (330 Pattonwood Dr.) and the walkway connecting Dake Jr. HS and Irondequoit HS is ongoing. The Iroquois and Rogers/Southlawn Library/Media Center renovations are also well under way. Here's an updated and approximate work timeline:

Winter 2024-25

• Dake interior door replacement ongoing
• Iroquois Library renovation ongoing

Spring 2025

• Rogers Library renovation (started April 7)
• Complete Dake interior door replacement
• Continue work on second-story walkway between Dake & IHS

Summer 2025

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

Fall 2025

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

Winter 2025-26

• Complete Rogers Library renovation
• Project closeout

For a complete list and project updates, go to westirondequoit.org

West Irondequoit residents who are at least 62 years old are invited to join our Gold Card Program. The card is free and entitles holders to:

• Discounted fees for select Community Education courses

• The opportunity to participate in the Senior Lap Swim Program at a discounted rate

• A special invitation and free admission to select student theater performances

• A special invitation to our Senior Citizen Dinner Theatre

• Free admission to regular-season home sports events

Please call the Public Information Office at 585-336-3067 with questions about events or the Community Education Office at 336-3014 with questions about adult classes and opportunities.

Comprehensive education: We offer one of the area’s most comprehensive high schools with programs in art, building trades, business, music, performing arts, technology and vocational automotive.

Neighborhood schools: Average enrollment of 170 among our six K-3 schools.

Career Connections Program: Helps students thrive in work-study jobs, internships & career shadowing.

Fine arts: Offer 21 courses in art; students regularly have work displayed in local exhibits. Performing arts: Four major dramatic presentations annually by IHS and Dake Jr. High students. One musical each for Iroquois and Rogers Middle Schools.

1:1 technology: Laptop computers for grades K-12, a first, for the 2020-21 school year.

Professional Development: For 35-plus years we have provided a teacher learning center.

Athletics: Varsity teams in 27 sports, including girls flag football.

Unified Sports: Inclusive co-ed basketball/bowling teams that unite students with and without disabilities.

Helmer Nature Center: Our District-owned 45-acre “outdoor classroom” teaches environmental awareness to our students and is a widely used community asset offering exposure to woods and wetlands. HNC celebrated its 50th anniversary and Eclipse Fest in the 2023-24 school year.

West Irondequoit Foundation: Has awarded more than $1.2 million in grants to the District for educational programs and equipment.

Welcome. Nurture. Inspire.

For the past three years, the Morgan’s Message Club at IHS has been doing its part to strengthen student-athlete mental health. It’s part of a national organization started five years ago in honor of a Duke lacrosse player who died of suicide. Founded by current seniors, Emmalynn Francis and Bella Quintero, club ambassadors encourage peer-to-peer communications and normalizing conversations in safe spaces. “We’ve built an amazing team that wants to continue to spread the message for years to come,” says Emmalynn, an ambassador this year with classmate, Kayla Holliday. Next year’s ambassadors (current ninth-graders): Sophia Bourji, Kailey Forbes and Mari Tucker.

For the 18th straight year and 24th time in the past 26 years, West Irondequoit 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. Pictured are Rogers Middle School students during a performance of their spring musical, “Finding Nemo Jr.” Iroquois MS students performed “The Aristocats.” The IHS spring comedy, “The Twelve Huntsmen,” is May 30-June 1 at the Irwin Center for the Performing Arts.

The "Engaging and Pioneering Learning Spaces Grants" have transformed more than 23 classrooms. Funded annually by the district since 2022, the grants undergo a selection process led by a district committee, ensuring a variety of grade levels and content areas are represented. From flexible seating to creative learning hubs, these grants foster inclusivity and inspiration, making students feel welcomed and excited to learn. Their success is evident in enriched student experiences!

Five IHS students, one Dake Jr. HS student and seven Class of 2024 graduates are now published artists! Their work was featured in Along magazine, which is distributed in the U.S. and China. The artists and IHS teacher/K-12 Art Coordinator, Sue Jacobs, were honored this spring by our Board of Education.

Last spring, Along‘s Lucy Luo saw our K-12 Student Art Show at the Artist’s Cave, 4639 Culver Road, and was so impressed by the quality and diversity of work that she approached Jacobs. The collaboration is a great example of our district’s connection to our community and a product of our terrific art teachers from elementary through IHS! Congratulations to:

Students: Seniors Kayden Coddington, Gianna Jackson, Sam Solomou and Grace Taberski; junior Melinda Cleckner; seventh-grader Violet Sheremeta.

Class of 2024 graduates: Julia Ahlquist, Beatrix Freeman, Rorie Gilbert, Lola Koscielski, Kaliyah Paige, Meghan Roussie and Diana Snitar.

Picture from left to right: Gianna Jackson, Lola Koscielski, Violet Sheremeta, Kayden Coddington, Rorie Gilbert, Beatrix Freeman, Grace Taberski and Sam Solomou.

You are eligible to vote if you are a U.S. citizen; you have lived in the West Irondequoit School District for at least 30 days prior to the vote; you are at least 18 years of age by the day of the vote. The West Irondequoit Board of Education requires proof of residency at the polls. Examples include a driver's license or other documentation proving residence in West Irondequoit.

Qualified voters unable to vote in person because of disabilities, illness, travel or other valid reasons listed under election law may vote by Absentee Ballot. Residents may request an application for an Absentee Ballot in person weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from District Clerk, Jenna Lustig, at District Office, 321 List Ave.

Qualified voters may request an application for an Early Mail Ballot in person weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from District Clerk, Jenna Lustig, at District Office, 321 List Ave.

AVAILABLE ONLINE: Applications for both Absentee and Early Mail ballots are available at westirondequoit.org. Completed applications must be received in the District Clerk's office at least 7 days before the vote (May 13) if the ballot is to be mailed, or by 4 p.m. the day prior to the vote (May 19) if the ballot is to be picked up. Absentee/Early Mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on May 20.

The day of the vote, Colby's Catering and Frios Gourmet Pops will be serving food and refreshments in the front loop of Dake Jr. HS and Irondequoit HS from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Superintendent

Dr. Aaron Johnson

Board of Education

Mr. Matthew Sullivan, President

Mrs. Victoria Bournival, Vice President

Mrs. Melissa Bohrer

Mrs. Kathryn Copeland

Mr. Kevin Schoepfel

Ms. Tamara Wall

Mr. John Vay

Mrs. Jenna Lustig, District Clerk

Aliyah Bozkurt, Student Representative

Rourke Hickey, Student Representative

Bree Hunley, Student Representative

Newsletter Editor

Mr. Jeff DiVeronica