Superintendent
-
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2026
I’d like to share a few updates about our District.
Welcome Back!
The 2026–2027 school year will begin for all students on Wednesday, September 3, 2026. I am excited to welcome our students and staff back to school and hope everyone enjoyed a summer filled with relaxation, fun, and wonderful memories with family and friends.Summer 2026 was certainly an exciting and transformative time for our school district. Most notably, our capital project is officially underway. If you have driven by the school recently, you may be surprised to see that the Gymnasium/Auditorium, which was constructed in
1979–1980, is no longer standing. Over the next 15–18 months, this area will be transformed into a new, modern Gymnasium/Auditorium that will serve our students, staff, and community for many years to come.While we are extremely excited about this project, we recognize that construction will create some temporary inconveniences. Parking, traffic flow, and student drop-off and pick-up will be challenging throughout the construction process. Much of the parking area behind the school
will be inaccessible for an extended period of time. We sincerely appreciate everyones patience, cooperation, and understanding as we work through these temporary challenges. The finished product will be well worth the inconvenience.Free & Reduced-Price Meals
Once again this year, I strongly encourage all families to review and complete our application for free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch. The application can be found in this newsletter or obtained directly from the school. Applications will also be available at our Open House on
September 2nd.I understand that the application can appear somewhat complicated, but please know that we are here to help. If you have questions or would like assistance completing the application, please do not hesitate to contact the school. All applications and related information are kept strictly confidential.
Completing the application benefits both our students and our school district. Most importantly, eligible students have access to nutritious meals at school. In addition, the number of students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals can affect the amount of state aid our
district receives and can also influence our eligibility for certain grants and other programs.There are additional benefits for eligible students and families as well, including fee waivers for the SAT, ACT, and many college application fees.
For these reasons, I encourage all families to complete an application, regardless of their current income level. You may be surprised by the benefits for which your family qualifies, and your participation helps strengthen our school district as a whole.
New Staff Members and Assignment Changes
Please join me in welcoming our newest team members and congratulating those who have assumed new responsibilities within the district. We are fortunate to have such dedicated professionals joining our team and continuing to grow within our school community.
- Megan Hill – AIS Provider to UPK–5 Principal
- Olivia Carroll – Resource Room Teacher to 12:1:1 Teacher
- Dawn Carroll – Teacher Aide to Front Office Clerk
- Janelle Eisel – Front Office Clerk to Teacher Aide
- Aliegha Allen – High School Science Teacher
- Andrew Brislan – Middle School Special Education Teacher
- Alexandra Fayle – Elementary AIS Teacher
- Pam Ratliff – STEAM Integration Specialist
- Elizabeth Houppert – PIVOT Counselor
- Chelsea Allen – Cleaner
I am confident that each of these individuals will make a positive contribution to our students and our school community. Please join me in welcoming them to their new roles.
A Special Thank You
As we begin another school year, I would also like to take a moment to recognize and sincerely thank our 11- and 12-month employees who work throughout the entire year to keep our school district operating at its best.
This dedicated group includes our office staff, cleaners, laborers, cafeteria staff, and transportation employees. Their responsibilities are demanding throughout the year and become especially important during the summer months, when they work behind the scenes to prepare our buildings, grounds, transportation systems, food services, and countless other operations for the return of our students and staff.
Much of what they do happens without recognition, but their work is essential to the success of our school district. Their commitment to our students, our school, and our community is deeply appreciated.
A successful school year begins long before students walk through our doors on the first day. The preparation, dedication, and teamwork of these employees help ensure that we are ready to provide our students with the safe, welcoming, and supportive environment they deserve.
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I look forward to another successful year filled with opportunities for our students to learn, grow, compete, create, and achieve. Thank you for your continued support of our students and our school district.
As always, thank you for your continued trust and support of our District. We truly appreciate it.
-
2026-2027 BUDGET INFORMATION
Dear District Residents,
The 2026-2027 proposed school budget is $12,795,927, an increase of $116,201, or 0.92%. We are proposing a tax levy increase of 2.00%, or $39,048. We are able to balance the budget by appropriating $776,876 of fund balance and $220,000 of reserves.
As many of you are aware, the majority of district revenues are from New York State and Federal aid. We continue to strategically plan expenditures and prioritize curriculum and programming for our students. In addition to that, we must navigate creative ways to responsibly balance our budget, all while striving to maintain the influx of services and supports required to accommodate the needs of our students.
A budget component that is important to be aware of is New York State’s property tax cap law. This is a calculation that establishes a tax levy limit for each school district. The tax levy limit allows school districts to change their property tax levy from one year to the next by two percent, or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. Within the tax cap calculation, the “two percent” may increase or decrease with inclusions and exclusions. If a proposed tax levy change is within the district’s calculated limit, a simple majority (50% or more) of voters is needed for budget approval. If a proposed tax levy change exceeds the tax levy limit, a supermajority of voters (60% or more) would be required for budget approval.
The district’s calculated tax cap this year is -2.4%, which is less than the 2.00% levy increase that the district has requested voters to approve to support the budget this year.
The 2026-2027 Annual Budget Review meeting is on May 5, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. There will be an opportunity to ask questions during that time. The budget vote and election will take place at school on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the gym foyer. If you would like an absentee ballot, please notify the District Clerk.
If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact the Superintendent’s office at 315-688-4411.
Sincerely,
BOARD OF EDUCATION
COPENHAGEN CENTRAL SCHOOL -
In the event of a school closure or delayed opening, notifications will be provided through ParentSquare, the district website and app, WWNY TV 7, WWTI Newswatch 50, Newzjunky, and NNY360.
Decisions regarding closures or delays are typically made by 6:45 a.m. and communicated promptly to all families.
If your phone number has changed, or if you would like to add an additional number to receive ParentSquare notifications, please contact us.
-
-
-
REOPENING PLAN LETTER - July 29, 2020
-
Coronavirus Informational Letter - March 4, 2020
-
Coronavirus Informational Second Letter - March 7, 2020
-
Coronavirus Press Release - March 15, 2020
-
District Closing Letter - March 16, 2020
-
Parent Communication Letter - April 3, 2020
-