Fredonia Elementary School

We are so excited to share our new Capital Project Video with you! https://youtu.be/MfsZG4aLNjw Thank you to Mr. Way for creating this video, and Dr. Z, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Bennett, and Mr. Beers for sharing their knowledge about our proposed capital project.

What is the total cost of the proposed Capital Project if all three propositions are approved and how will it affect local taxes? The full cost of the proposed project will be $51,700,000. Again, the current Proposition #1 and #2 are covered by a high rate of Building Aid at 77% and 78%. Proposition #3 generates less Building Aid at 29% since the total amount exceeds the MCA for site and outdoor work at the Main Campus. The other 71% will need to come from the local share. The combined tax impact if all three propositions are approved is anticipated to be a 9.9% increase. : The anticipated increases to the tax rate per $1,000 of assessed valuation and tax bill impacts for households of various levels of assessment are as follows. The approximate impact for an average valued home within each town is highlighted in yellow. What guarantee is there that construction costs do not exceed the proposition amounts? School districts throughout New York are required by law not to exceed the proposition amounts approved by voters. Construction escalation is factored into the project budget and as phases are bid out and constructed, scope and bid acceptance decisions are made accordingly.

Can we wait to address the items included in the 2024 proposed FCSD Capital Project? Based on our Building Condition Survey (BCS) performed by Young and Wright Architectural, delaying the work proposed in the 2024 Capital Project would result in further deterioration of items that require immediate attention or replacement. We are following the recommendation from Young & Wright Architectural who used their expertise in this area to provide solid recommendations for the greater good of the district and all involved. Why doesn’t FCSD use these funds to maintain our staff or programs? Under New York State law, the district cannot borrow money to fund personnel or other operational costs. However, money can be borrowed to invest in the modernization and improvement of learning spaces that better support students, faculty/staff, and the community. Why not fund repairs and renovations through our regular annual budget? As mentioned, large building projects such as roofs, plumbing, and structural renovations are too costly to include in a school district’s annual operating budget. Through a bond vote, we can borrow funds to be repaid with Building Aid that may only be used for Capital Projects and cannot be used for operational expenses. By spreading the cost over several years through a Capital Project, and maximizing available building aid, we can complete millions of dollars of essential repairs and renovations with less impact to the local taxpayer. If the work is not part of a voter-approved Capital Project, the District would be responsible for 100% of the costs.

You got this ladies!!! Best of luck as you take on Windsor tomorrow at 3 pm in Candor, NY. Can't make it to the game? Catch the live stream here: https://highschoolsports.org/new-york/nysphsaa/section-6

Congratulations to Senior Elizabeth Pucci-Schaefer on her commitment to dive at Penn State! https://www.observertoday.com/sports/local-sports/2024/11/pucci-schaefer-commits-to-dive-at-penn-state/

Why is the project divided into 3 propositions? The propositions “chunk” the larger project into smaller, more digestible parts based on a general category and tier the cost of the project within each category, providing the local taxpayers with a degree of choice. How was it determined what items were included in each proposition? Proposition #1 represents work that needs to be done to keep our district running smoothly and safely from a facilities perspective. This upkeep is essential to us maintaining and protecting our investments in our district buildings and keeping our students and adults warm, safe, and dry. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of the cost associated with this proposition is paid for by Building Aid, resulting in a lower tax impact on taxpayers. Proposition #2 represents work that enhances our instructional Music program, promotes the quality delivery of curriculum, and adapts to the increasing number of students participating in our Music course offerings. Without larger instructional spaces, we may need to limit participation and cap enrollment based on the current available space. Seventy-eight percent (78%) of the cost associated with this proposition is paid for by Building Aid, resulting in a lower tax impact on taxpayers. Proposition #3 represents a multi-use artificial turf field at the Main Campus, improving our current athletic fields and creating the safest playing surface possible for several sports. Without improvements, our student-athletes will continue to play on the grass surfaces that several student-athletes, coaches, parents, and community members have expressed safety concerns about. It also includes resurfacing of tennis courts which need repair. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of the cost associated with this proposition is paid for by Building Aid, which results in an increased tax impact on our local taxpayers because the total amount of work exceeds the Maximum Cost Allowance (MCA) for the total amount of site or outdoor work at the Main Campus. The portion of the total amount that exceeds the MCA is not aidable. The MCA is set by the NYS Education Department and is not controlled by our district.

Over the next few weeks, we'll post the most common questions about the capital project and the answers. What is Fredonia CSD’s current and projected enrollment? Our current PK-12 enrollment is approximately 1,485 students. These numbers are fluid based on new enrollments and students who leave Fredonia schools throughout any given year. While it is difficult to predict long-term, our projections for future enrollment are as follows: 2025: 1,485 2026: 1,473 2027: 1,465 How were the components of the project selected? Every five years, all school districts must have a registered Architect and Engineer evaluate the condition of their buildings and grounds. This is called a Building Condition Survey (BCS). The survey identifies areas where work is needed or mandated by current building and energy codes. Young & Wright Architectural assisted our district with this process over the past year and included discussions with our administration, custodial staff, maintenance staff, coaches, instructional staff, Business Office, District Office, and Board of Education. Beyond the BCS, we also created and shared a survey with our school community to gather feedback from our stakeholders. We had roughly 250 responses which highlighted items that were believed to need improvement. We have also held Public Forums in which community members/taxpayers can attend and share questions or comments directly with the Board of Education, Superintendent, Business Official, and/or Young & Wright Architectural. We also listened to concerns shared during Public Comment at previous Board of Education regularly scheduled meetings. The following items were consistent themes within the overall feedback: Give our students what they need and deserve: + Athletic field improvements​ + Larger music spaces​ + Playground improvements​ + Heating & cooling system upgrades​ ​ + Maintenance items (ie: Roofs, Mechanical, Electrical) After studying the BCS and the feedback from the school community, our district developed a plan to address these focus areas.

November 11–15, 2024 is National School Psychology Week School psychologists work to help youth thrive, partnering with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed socially, behaviorally, emotionally, and academically. School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. Thank you school psychologists!

Celebrate Veterans Day with us by taking the day to honor those who served. To veterans everywhere, THANK YOU!

Why is a community vote needed? To proceed with the project, we must get voter approval. It is essential that the community come out to vote so that we can both achieve a majority approval and also so we know that we are moving forward with a vote that is representative of our community. When and where will the vote be held? The vote will be held on December 12th, 2024 in our High School cafeteria. Who can vote? People who are U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and have been residents of the District for at least 30 days before the vote are eligible.

Over the next few weeks, we'll post the most common questions about the capital project and the answers. How does a potential Capital Project connect to our district's mission, vision, and core beliefs? Our district believes that maintaining and upgrading our facilities helps us deliver on the promises we have committed to within these statements. These statements encapsulate what we believe to be our purpose and why we exist, what we aspire to become, and the principles that drive our behavior and decision-making. They include: Mission: A place of learning and exploring where individuals become their greatest selves. Vision: Paving innovative pathways to dynamic and global educational experiences. Core Beliefs: Student-focused: We make students our top priority and the center of our decision-making. Respect: We honor and treat everyone fairly. Integrity: We believe in honesty and trustworthiness. Inclusivity: We provide a sense of belonging and support for all individuals. Diversity: We believe every voice has value, and our differences make us stronger. Excellence: We work hard, set high standards, and take pride in our efforts. Communication: We practice consistent and timely communication with positive intent. Resilience: We foster growth and perseverance to help each other overcome adversity.

Over the next few weeks, we'll post the most common questions about the capital project and the answers. Why is the Fredonia CSD considering a Capital Project at this time? The Fredonia School District is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment and well-maintained facilities for our students, faculty/staff, and community. Just as one’s own home ages and requires upkeep and repairs to keep it in good shape, so do our school buildings. Smaller routine repairs and maintenance projects can be funded through the district’s general fund as part of the annual school district budget. However, larger projects and capital priorities are typically too expensive to be funded through the annual school district budget. By funding these projects as part of a Capital Project, it allows the district to spread the expense out over a longer period of time and fund projects it would not otherwise be able to accomplish. It also allows the district to fund this work in large part through New York State Education Department Building Aid with far less impact on local taxpayers. How does this project benefit our students? One of our core beliefs as a district is to be student-centered. Our facilities need to be upgraded to keep our students as safe as possible within our learning environment. We also want to meet the needs of our students to achieve their full potential and maximize their performance. It also helps create an environment where they can effectively demonstrate their skills and abilities at a high level. As our mission statement reads, these kinds of improvements help our students become their greatest selves. How does this project benefit our community? Our school district’s facilities are a reflection of our educational program. Upgrading our facilities helps us protect and increase property values while enhancing marketability to attract future homeowners. Not only can the proposed project be completed for a fraction of the actual cost, but it also has the potential to improve property values by improving the overall condition of our school buildings and the appeal of our community. https://www.fredonia.wnyric.org/page/capital-project

Congratulations Lady Billies!! Section VI Class B Champions!! Read more here: https://www.observertoday.com/sports/local-sports/2024/11/billies-prevail/

Proposition #3 Summary. Please remember to have your voice heard on December 12 during our public vote at our HS Cafeteria. Proposition #3 Includes: A new multi-purpose turf field for soccer, football, baseball, and softball on the Main Campus, resurfacing the tennis courts, and providing new parking areas. The new multi-purpose field will include lights, grandstand bleachers, a press box, and dugouts. Proposition #3 Benefits Include: + Includes improvements for 5 FCSD athletic programs + Addresses concerns from student-athletes, coaches, parents, game referees/umpires, and community members + Creates the safest possible playing surface for our student-athletes + Addresses poor drainage and conditions of our current fields + Maximizes field availability and play/practice time with the addition of lights + Enhances the spectator experience with an updated grandstand and bleachers + Expands instructional area and opportunity for curricular courses + Allows softball and baseball to be played simultaneously + Increases available parking + Creates an additional gathering location for other events and activities + Enhances press box and dugouts Proposition #3 Costs Include: Total Cost = $19,600,000 State Aid Anticipated to Cover 29% Local Share Remaining 71% 6.9% Project Related Tax Increase Starting in ‘25-26 (Note: Tax increase does not compound, it is a one-time increase then levels off each year after.) Proposition #3 can only pass if the majority of voters approve Proposition #1, Proposition #2 and Proposition #3.

Last Day To RSVP for our Veterans Day Parade! We welcome ALL veterans and their families to this special celebration. Schedule of Events: • 8:30 AM: Breakfast in the High School Cafeteria • 9:15 AM: Parade through our main campus • 9:30 AM: Travel to Wheelock School, where our youngest learners will say “Thank You” to our veterans. We look forward to celebrating and showing our gratitude together! Please RSVP by November 1st to ktomaszewski@fcsd.wnyric.org or call our district office at 716-679-1581.

Proposition #2 Summary. Please remember to have your voice heard on December 12 during our public vote at our HS Cafeteria. Proposition #2 includes: Renovation of the music department ensemble spaces along with the associated offices and practice spaces. The goal is to create a safe environment for our music students and growing music program by providing enlarged ensemble spaces, safe paths of egress, music equipment storage, and updated practice areas. Proposition #2 Benefits Include: + Provides ample space for all music students to be safe and maximize their performance + Creates practice space to allow for small group and/or one-on-one music lessons + Creates secure storage areas to protect our investment in current musical instruments and equipment + Provide safe paths of egress in general, but especially during emergency drills or situations + Manages decibel levels for both students and adults Proposition #2 Costs: Total Cost = $10,000,000 State Aid Anticipated to Cover 78% Local Share Remaining 22% 1.1% Project Related Tax Increase Starting in ‘25-26 (Note: Tax increase does not compound, it is a one-time increase then levels off each year after) Proposition #2 can only pass if the majority of voters approve both Proposition #1 and Proposition #2.

Proposition 1 Summary Please remember to have your voice heard on December 12 during our public vote at our High School Cafeteria. Proposition #1 Includes: + Replacing out-of-warranty roofs at each of the district's building + Improving HVAC for student and faculty/staff spaces at each of the district's buildings + Electrical and plumbing upgrades at each of the district's buildings + Wheelock playground replacement + Wheelock maintenance building repairs + Track work at the Main Campus Proposition #1 Benefits Include: + Helps to protect our current investment in our facilities by making necessary repairs + Keeps our students and faculty/staff warm, safe, and dry + Maintains a learning environment conducive to education + Creates work areas and equipment that will now be under warranty + Makes our district more energy-efficient + Makes playground equipment at Wheelock age-appropriate + Maintains our track safety for student-athletes, coaches, and programs Proposition #1 costs: Total cost = $22,100,000 State Aid Anticipated to Cover 77% District's Local Share Covers Remaining 23% Capital Reserve Funds Retiring Debt Service 1.9% Project Related Tax Increase Starting in ‘25-26 (Note: Tax increase does not compound, it is a one-time increase then levels off each year after.)

Join the Fredonia Family! Fredonia Central School District currently has openings for a Building Maintenance Mechanic II and cafeteria workers. For more information or to apply visit https://www.fredonia.wnyric.org/page/human-resources-home

Happy Friday! It's time for our next District Update. Catch up on all the great things that have happened since the start of the school year and learn more about the upcoming capital project vote in December. https://secure.smore.com/n/cha4y

Join us in honoring our nation's heroes at our Veterans Day Parade! We welcome ALL veterans and their families to this special celebration. Schedule of Events: • 8:30 AM: Breakfast in the High School Cafeteria • 9:15 AM: Parade through our main campus • 9:30 AM: Travel to Wheelock School, where our youngest learners will say “Thank You” to our veterans. We look forward to celebrating and showing our gratitude together! Please RSVP by November 1st to ktomaszewski@fcsd.wnyric.org or call our district office at 716-679-1581.