Dear Community Members,

I am honored to be writing to you regarding our 2024-25 School Budget. Your Board of Education, Business Administrator Bart Schuler, and I have been working together for several months to present to you the 2024-25 budget. We have held public budget presentations in February, March and April. At each of these meetings, there have been healthy discussions and thorough reviews, leading to the budget documents presented here. Despite the growing cost of living, we kept the increase to our taxpayers at 1%. This budget allows for the continuation of important programs. Lyndonville CSD is proud of our rigorous academic programs. Lyndonville students’ achievement continues to rise, remaining competitive in the region and beyond. At the high school level, we offer AP and college courses at no cost to students. This change no longer limits access to the opportunities college courses provide. Lyndonville CSD is known for its exceptional academic intervention and special education programs, which meet the needs of every student.

LCSD administrators seek grants to enrich and expand opportunities for students, while not putting a burden on the taxpayers. Music, the arts and athletics are priorities at our schools, as they enhance the educational experience for students. Lyndonville musicals are legendary, and this year’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” was extraordinary.

Student social-emotional well-being and mental health programs are supported and funded. We welcomed Hank, Lyndonville’s very own therapy dog this year. Hank comes to us through a generous donation by Donna Spearin of Spearin Farms, grants from the Lyndonville Foundation and Lions Club, and a partnership with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, which all provide for his continued care.

We continue innovative technology initiatives, preparing students for the future. This budget funds multiple school safety initiatives, including our School Resource Officer partnership with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department. We continue working towards a Capital Project, which comes at no additional cost to the taxpayers. All students receive free breakfast and lunch, because LCSD qualifies through state and federal funding.

The proposed 2024-25 school budget will be presented on May 13, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Housel Avenue High School Library. We have three open seats on the Board of Education. There are six candidates running for the three open positions. Each candidate will share their thoughts on their candidacy at the Board Meeting on May 13. I am always amazed and grateful for the dedication of the members of the Board of Education. These are unpaid positions, which take many hours a week. We are fortunate that our community members are willing to serve in this way.

In-person voting will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in the Stroyan Auditorium Foyer from noon until 8 p.m. Please enter through the Auditorium entrance. While you are there to vote, take some time to visit our exquisite Art Show. Art teacher Ashley Maybach’s students have outdone themselves. The sixth through eighth grade music students will be performing in their Spring Concert from 7-8 p.m. in the Auditorium that evening.

Should you have any questions about the budget, please do not hesitate to contact me personally. On behalf of the Lyndonville Board of Education, school administrators Dr. Smith, Dr. Slack, Mrs. Chaffee, Mr. Schuler, and our faculty and staff, I want to thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Sharon Smith
Superintendent of Schools
ssmith@lcsdk12.org
(585) 765-3101