BOE Meeting 4/3/2025

**INDIAN RIVER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
PHILADELPHIA, NEW YORK 13673
LEGAL NOTICE OF ANNUAL BUDGET HEARING/VOTE/SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION**

***

**NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN** that an Annual Budget Hearing for inhabitants of the Indian River Central School District at Philadelphia, New York, qualified to vote at school meetings in said district, will be held in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room located in the High School, Philadelphia, New York, in said district on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM EDT, for the transaction of such business as is authorized by Education Law. Voting on the 2025-2026 school district budget will be by voting machine and will be conducted on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, between the hours of 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Voting upon the appropriation of necessary funds to meet estimated expenditures and on propositions involving the expenditure of money, authorization of reserves, authorizing the levy of taxes, and any other propositions which may properly be placed before the voters, shall take place in the District Office Complex, Philadelphia, New York.

**NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN** that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the 2025-2026 school year for school purposes, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any taxpayer in the district during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the budget hearing, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, in each building of the Indian River Central School District, Philadelphia, New York, during the hours designated: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

**NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN** that the following proposition will be submitted:

**PROPOSITION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS AND ADDITIONS TO AND RECONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES**

Shall the following resolution be adopted, to-wit:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Indian River Central School District at Philadelphia, is hereby authorized to construct improvements and additions to and reconstruction of School District buildings and facilities, including original furnishings, machinery, equipment, apparatus, appurtenances, site improvements (including athletic fields and facilities) and incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of $70,500,000, with $7,500,000 Reserve Fund for Capital (2017) monies to be expended therefor, and that the remaining $63,000,000 of said amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law; and, in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District shall be issued.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

NOTE: The School District has determined that the improvements are a “Type I Action” pursuant to the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), the implementation of which as proposed, the School District has determined will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts. SEQRA compliance materials are on file in the office of the School District Clerk where they may be inspected during regular office hours upon appointment.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

**NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN** that the following proposition will be submitted:

**NEW CAPITAL RESERVE FUND PROPOSITION**

Shall the following resolution be adopted, to-wit:

RESOLVED, that the Indian River Central School District at Philadelphia, is hereby authorized to establish a new capital reserve fund pursuant to Section 3651 of the Education Law to be designated 2025 Buildings and Facilities Capital Reserve Fund for the construction of additions to, improvements to, reconstruction and equipping of School District buildings, facilities and athletic fields and tracks, including original furnishings, equipment,

machinery, apparatus, appurtenances, and site and incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith, at an ultimate amount of $15,000,000, plus accrued interest and investment earnings, with a probable term of ten (10) years, the source of funding to be surplus dollars and/or legally available funds available to the District when it closes its books every June 30, including the balance of the existing Reserve Fund for Capital (2017) remaining after allocation of $7,500,000 to the proposed new capital project submitted to the voters herewith, if such project be so approved.

**NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN** that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education are available through, and must be filed with, the Clerk of the District no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, April 21, 2025. The following vacancies are to be filled on the Board of Education:

1\. Five year term, name of incumbent, Robin Johnson
2\. Five year term, name of incumbent, William Backus
3\. Four year term, name of incumbent, Jennifer Bleam

Each petition must be directed to the Clerk of the District, must be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the district, must state the name and address of the candidate.

**NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN** that applications for early or absentee ballots may be obtained between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, except weekends and holidays from the District Clerk. Applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the vote but a least seven (7) days before the date of the vote set forth in this notice if the ballot is to be mailed to the early or absentee voter, and must be received by the District Clerk the day before the date of the vote set forth in this notice if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. The District Clerk must receive executed absentee ballots not later than 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

A list of persons to whom early or absentee ballots have been issued will be available for public inspection in the office of the District Clerk between the hour of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays until the date of election. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such list, file a written challenge to the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such list, stating the reasons for such challenge.

**NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN** that military voters who are qualified voters of the School District may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk at (315) 642-3441 or <cherylmccormick@ircsd.org>. For a military voter to be issued a military ballot, the District Clerk must have received a valid ballot application no later than 5:00 pm on April 22, 2025. In a request for a military ballot application or ballot, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application or ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail.

**NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN** that the qualified voters of the School District shall be entitled to vote per Education Law 2012. Education Law Section 2012 defines a “qualified voter” as being (1) a United States citizen, (2) at least eighteen (18) years of age, (3) a resident of the school district for thirty (30) days immediately preceding the election and (4) not otherwise prohibited from voting under the provisions of Section 5-106 of the Election Law (e.g. a person who has been adjudged to be mentally incompetent).

By order of the Indian River Board of Education
Philadelphia, New York 13673

Cheryl McCormick
District Clerk

LEGAL NOTICE OF ANNUAL BUDGET HEARING/VOTE/SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

**Public Hearing**

BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Education of the Indian River Central School District at Philadelphia, NY will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in the Indian River High School beginning at 5:30 PM for public input in regard to the proposed $70,500,000 Capital Improvement Project.

By order of the Indian River Board of Education
Philadelphia, New York 13673

Cheryl McCormick
District Clerk


PUBLIC HEARING - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

*   [Early or Absentee Ballot Application Notice](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JIo9cvebV6tzzPyCts6FAf_NAsi9HnuA/view?usp=drive_link)
*   [Annual Budget Hearing and Budget Vote and Board Election FAQs](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DgkSDuWXlmfaTi7apjb_zgxCrwoLEhMG/view?usp=drive_link)
*   [Application for Absentee Ballot](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l90W72\_7-SRpOVnP570zqJD9S-fi3TBs/view?usp=drive_link)
*   [Board Nominating Petition](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hcsj6DmXZvAKODzuMmDMBLCubPfif9Ll/view?usp=drive_link)
*   [Early Ballot Application](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qqcjaOoobB5EUI2v9rUauBN3CCRh1mKl/view?usp=drive_link)
*   [Legal Notice - Annual Budget Meeting - Vote - School Board Election](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e3QzzwDGzx6A9TwFKBED9kWCFLUQATep/view?usp=drive_link)
*   [Public Hearing - Capital Improvement Project](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BUevYC7G354SwoiX9zFKiB0ZoIm2JGMr/view?usp=drive_link)
*   [School Board Member FAQs](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cSfEgU_DEw-s9A3R5\_Lff_vow8\_iPJMH/view?usp=drive_link)
*   [Running for the School Board](https://drive.google.com/file/d/13Vx66ttmAMuRJDU3JzN01pCwiaRsk3vv/view?usp=drive_link)


Annual Budget Hearing/Vote/School Board Election 2025 Resources

**VISION:** We will stand out as an exceptional learning institution by igniting opportunities for our students.

**MISSION:** We will educate and inspire all students to be impactful citizens who contribute to the world around them.

**CORE VALUES:** We will make all decisions based on professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence.

**PROTOCOLS:** We will educate and empower our students by supporting learning opportunities led by exceptional staff.


Welcome to IRCSD!

IRCSD Wolves Brand Guide

Breakfast and Lunch Menus

District Calendar

Employment Opportunities

Student Registration

Transportation

District Links

IRCSD Brand Guide

Board of Education

Calendar

Staff Directory

Weather Stations

Family and Student Links

Athletics

Cafeteria Menus

CEP Economic Survey

DASA Reporting

Military Family Resources

Preschool Referral/Services

Transcript Requests

Universal Pre-Kindergarten

Online Resources

BoardDocs

BusRight

Parent Portal

ParentSquare

SchoolTool

WolfLink

Quick Links

Indian River Central School District

IRditarod Challenge–Final Results & Winners Announced!

<img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ps-feeds-production/inline_images_1743770416855-School+Librarian+Appreciation+Day+2025+%281188+%C3%97+580+px%29.png" style="width: 742px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" /> Friday, April 4, 2025 is School Librarian Appreciation Day. Today the Indian River Central School District recognizes the vital contributions of our school librarians. These dedicated educators foster a love of reading, teach essential research and digital literacy skills, and ensure students have access to diverse and reliable resources. We hope that you will join us today in acknowledging how school librarians inspire and empower our learners every day. Thank you to our school librarians for all that they do!

School Librarian Appreciation Day - Friday, April 4, 2025

<img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ps-feeds-production/inline_images_1743601152670-Paraprofessional+Appreciation+Day+2025+%281188+%C3%97+580+px%29.png" style="width: 742px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" /> Wednesday, April 2, 2025 is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day.  Today the Indian River Central School District recognizes the hard work of our paraprofessionals, who work closely with teachers to provide instruction and support to our students. Whether they are assisting teachers with classroom management, providing individualized instruction, preparing educational materials, or supporting students with special needs, paraprofessionals are an integral part of ensuring student success. Thank you for all that you do!

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day - Wednesday, April 2, 2025

<img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ps-feeds-production/inline_images_1743430792428-Month+of+the+Military+Child+2025+%281188+%C3%97+580+px%29.png" style="width: 742px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" /> April is the Month of the Military Child! Throughout this month, each of the schools in the Indian River Central School District will celebrate with spirit weeks, special events, parades, and other activities to highlight the appreciation we feel for all of our military children. The Indian River Central School District and Fort Drum have had a special relationship reaching back many decades, and our community will take this opportunity during the Month of the Military Child to honor and respect the sacrifices and resilience our military families embody. Our students may come to us from all across the world, but when they leave, it is our hope that they take that IRCSD Pride with them and cherish the memories they make here. Stay tuned throughout the month for more details about how our schools are celebrating the Month of the Military Child, including a districtwide Purple Up Day on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Thank you for all you do!  #MOMC  #IRWolfPack #WeAreIR<div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>

April is the Month of the Military Child

<img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ps-feeds-production/inline_images_1743440230666-484090104_1066816035251716_2036707226915638316_n.jpg" style="width: 742px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" /> We are proud to announce that the cast and crew of the recent Indian River Theatre of the Performing Arts production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka have received the following awards from TANYS, the Theatre Association of New York State: <ul>
<li>Meritorious in Ensemble Performance to the Cast &amp; Crew</li>
<li>Excellence in Direction to Kristie Farr</li>
<li>Excellence in Musical Performance to Caleb Reid and the Orchestra</li>
<li>Excellence in Choreography to Tricia Moore</li>
<li>Meritorious Achievement in Technical Design and Execution to Devon Gillan</li>
</ul> The IRCSD community would like to extend our congratulations to the many immensely talented individuals whose contributions to this production made these accolades possible.  Well done!

Cast and Crew of "Willy Wonka" Receive Multiple TANYS Awards

<div><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ps-feeds-production/inline_images_1725366796348-IRCSD+Color+Block+Logo+-+BOE+01+%281202+x+400px%29.png" style="width: 742px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" /></div> The Indian River Central School District Board of Education will meet on Thursday, April 3, 2025 <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); display: inline !important; float: none;">in the Board of Education room in the Indian River Central School District Office Complex (32735B County Route 29, Philadelphia, NY 13673) beginning at 6:30PM. <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); display: inline !important; float: none;">Indian River Central School District Board of Education Meetings are public meetings where in-person attendance is welcome. This meeting will also be streamed live for virtual public viewing through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IndianRiverCSD/">District’s Facebook page</a> beginning at 6:30PM. Additionally, the meeting will be recorded and subsequently transcribed. For more information, including an archive of previous livestreams, a schedule of upcoming meetings, and BOE contact information, please visit the <a href="https://www.ircsd.org/en-US/board-of-education-08ab2c1b">IRCSD Board of Education</a> page at <a href="https://ircsd.org/">ircsd.org</a>.  <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); display: inline !important; float: none;">   <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); display: inline !important; float: none;">Anyone wishing to speak with the Board of Education may do so in accordance with <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YslOivzb7rUKb31I7FW0rD4Y-6hvaU-r/view?usp=sharing">Board Policy 1230: Public Participation at Board Meetings</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); display: inline !important; float: none;">. <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); display: inline !important; float: none;">If you have any questions, please contact the District Clerk at 315-642-3441.

IRCSD Board of Education Meeting on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 6:30PM

<img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ps-feeds-production/inline_images_1743178855046-FINAL+IRCSD+Kindergarten+Round+Up+Flyer+for+2025-2026%21+%284%29.jpg" style="width: 742px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" /> It's time for Kindergarten Round-Up! Do you live in or around the surrounding communities of Antwerp, Calcium, Evans Mills, Philadelphia, Theresa, or Indian River Central-designated areas of Fort Drum? Will your child turn 5 years old on or before December 1, 2025? Visit our <a href="https://www.ircsd.org/en-us/student-registration-807e0d96" target="_blank">Student Registration</a> page on <a href="https://ircsd.org">ircsd.org</a> to access the <a href="https://st2.schooltool.com/IndianRiver/onlinepreregistration/" target="_blank">Online Pre-Registration</a> system and ensure your child is included in appointments at one of IRCSD's K-3 Primary buildings! Please note that current IRCSD UPK students do not need to register. If you have any questions, please contact our Central Registrar Helen Brotherton at 315-642-3441 or call any IRCSD K-3 Primary School.

Don't Delay—Sign Up for Fall 2025 Kindergarten Round-Up Today!

<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfY6_J2B8QDlbKpc_1UmCxEuU8fs5ps-BW6vNBPkKjC0YATcg/viewform" target="_blank"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ps-feeds-production/inline_images_1741610425478-IR-DITAROD+2025+02.png" style="width: 742px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" /></a> Dear Indian River Central School District Community, There is ONE WEEK left in the IRditarod, our districtwide fitness initiative designed to get our entire community moving and motivated. The results so far have been absolutely amazing, but it's never too late to get up and get moving!  How It Works: <ol>
<li>
Track Your Activity: Students can log their daily physical activities—whether it’s walking, running, biking, or any form of exercise you enjoy. Parents, please encourage your children to participate!</li>
<li>
Reach Milestones: As students accumulate miles, they’ll move closer to the ultimate IRditarod goal—completing the “race” as a building, department, or grade level. Simply log their miles by completing this <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfY6_J2B8QDlbKpc_1UmCxEuU8fs5ps-BW6vNBPkKjC0YATcg/viewform?usp=preview" target="_blank">Google Form</a>. If students do something besides walking or running, don’t worry—they can log those too. We have included a <a href="https://www.crouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ActivityConversionChart-2.pdf" target="_blank">conversion chart</a> to allow folks to participate whether you are doing yoga or playing soccer. </li>
<li>
Grade-Level Competition: Each grade level (PreK-12) will be competing to cover the most miles. The grade that accumulates the highest total distance will win bragging rights and a special prize. So, get your children involved and encourage them to stay active!</li>
</ol>Remember, the IRditarod will end on March 31st, so be sure to log your daily activities as we begin the final push to the finish line! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Stephanie Wheeler or Sarah Matteson. Let’s get moving, IR! Sincerely, The IR Wellness Committee <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfY6_J2B8QDlbKpc_1UmCxEuU8fs5ps-BW6vNBPkKjC0YATcg/viewform" target="_blank"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ps-feeds-production/inline_images_1741610468133-IR-DITAROD+2025+01.png" style="width: 742px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" /></a>

Indian River Central School District

BOE Meeting 4/3/2025

Quick Links

Don't Delay—Sign Up for Fall 2025 Kindergarten Round-Up!

Heard: World Music Community Event on March 31

IRHS Announces Class of 2025 Academic Leaders

IRditarod Fitness Challenge

Get a Jump Start to Kindergarten

Join the IRCSD Team Today!

4-H Camp Wabasso Registration Now Open!

Save the Date!

FIND US