Residents of the Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, and Schuylerville school districts voted on school budgets and board members on Tuesday, May 21. Unofficial results were reported by the districts the following morning. All three districts had their proposed 2024-2025 budgets approved by voters.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs City School District residents approved the proposed $148,709,136 school budget for 2024-2025 by a vote of 3,150 to 781. The bus bond proposition was also approved, by a vote of 3,102 to 823.
Three candidates were elected to the Board of Education: Deb Amory, Matt Kopans, and Connie Woytowich. Vote totals are listed below.
• Deb Amory – 2,503
• Matt Kopans – 2,201
• Connie Woytowich – 1,923
• Amanda Ellithorpe – 1,794
• Joe Sabanos – 1,425
Ballston Spa
Ballston Spa Central School District residents approved the district’s 2024-2025 budget proposal of $107,179,996 by a vote of 946 to 366. Voters also approved three other propositions on the ballot concerning school vehicle replacements, bus lift replacements, and the collection and contribution of $63,344 towards the operation of the public library.
Two candidates were elected to the Board of Education: Jason Fernau and Fabrizia Rodriguez. Vote totals are listed below.
• Jason Fernau – 849
• Fabrizia Rodriguez – 655
• Tim Turbiak – 621
Schuylerville
Schuylerville Central School District residents approved a $39.4 million budget for the 2024-25 school year by a vote of 671 to 295.
Voters also elected two members to the Board of Education: Jennifer Moreau (733 votes) and Robert Thivierge (649 votes).
35 students from Malta Ave Elementary performed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s annual meeting on May 16. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) celebrated recent education initiatives during its annual meeting on the amphitheater stage on May 16. The event was followed by a spirited performance of Des’ree’s hit song “You Gotta Be” by dozens of Malta Ave Elementary students.
Dennis Moench, Vice President of Education at SPAC, said that educational programming in 2023 reached an estimated 50,000 kids, in partnership with more than 120 local schools and nonprofits.
Last year, SPAC launched its “Access the Arts” program, which provides weekly dance, music, and improvisational theater classes to individuals enrolled in day habilitation programs. The program culminated with a performance featuring more than 100 participants on May 1 in the Spa Little Theater.
“We provide avenues for emotional expression, self discovery, social connection, cognitive development, stress reduction, and empowerment,” Moench said. “We believe that all individuals should have access to these benefits.”
Beginning at 2 p.m. on June 2, SPAC will host the seventh annual Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists, a free event featuring fine art displays, poetry slams, and food stands. At 4:30 p.m., hundreds of kids will present a concert on the amphitheater stage with productions that combine music, song, poetry, visual art, and dance.
MALTA — The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) suspended the license of the Maple Leaf Childcare Center at 2737 Route 9 in Malta last week due to “evidence that the public health or a child’s safety or welfare is in imminent danger.”
The center can end the suspension one of two ways; either they can resolve the issues cited by OCFS as the reasons for the suspension, or they can successfully challenge the decision to suspend the license. OCFS can also decide to revoke the center’s license completely.
The childcare center’s OCFS inspection history over the last two years contained a number of alleged violations, including the use of corporal punishment, children left without competent supervision, and staff members unable to fulfill their responsibilities. Since April 17, 2023, the OCFS recorded nine substantiated complaints against Maple Leaf in Malta.
In the violations, OCFS defined corporal punishment as “punishment inflicted directly on the body including, but not limited to, physical restraint, spanking, biting, shaking, slapping, twisting or squeezing; demanding excessive physical exercise, prolonged lack of movement or motion, or strenuous or bizarre postures; and compelling a child to eat or have in the child’s mouth soap, foods, hot spices or irritants or the like.”
The company also faced scrutiny in April of this year, when a former employee at their Halfmoon location was arrested and charged with child endangerment and harassment.
Maple Leaf did not respond to requests for comment from Saratoga TODAY.
A slide from a presentation delivered at the May 9 Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education meeting shows a screenshot of ParentSquare, an automated notification system that allows parents to communicate directly with attendance clerks.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — At the Saratoga Springs City School District’s Board of Education meeting on May 9, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lisa Cutting led a presentation that cited 2022-2023 data regarding the district’s chronic absenteeism, graduation rates, and enrollment numbers, among other figures.
Dr. Cutting discussed the data alongside Dr. Danielle Bouton-Wales, Director of K-12 Stem and Secondary Instruction; Dr. Michele Whitley, Director of K-12 Humanities and Elementary Instruction; and Mrs. Abigail Adams-Snell, Director of Assessment, Accountability and Improvement.
Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism, defined by the New York State Education Department as students missing at least 10% of the school days for which they are enrolled, declined from 2021-2022 to 2022-2023, according to the data.
After skyrocketing in 21-22 to 17.8%, or 660 students, chronic absenteeism rates among 1st through 8th graders declined to 15.5%, or 571 students, in 22-23, which is about 10% less than the state average. Similarly, 9th through 12th grades hit 28.1% (553 students) in 21-22, but then declined to 25.5% (505 students) in 22-23, which is about 5% below state average.
“For four years, I’ve been talking about chronic absenteeism,” said Board President Tony Krackeler. “It’s a topic that is very important to me. I want to give you congratulations on real progress in combating that. The numbers show it’s a big success story of this district.”
One change in dealing with absenteeism is the district’s use of ParentSquare, a service that sends automated absentee notifications and allows parents to communicate directly with attendance clerks.
Graduation Rates
Graduation rates have remained relatively consistent over the last few years, remaining in the range of 91.9% to 93.8%. These rates are notably higher than the New York State average of 86%.
Student Enrollment
K-12 enrollment decreased from nearly 6,000 in 21-22 to 5,798 in 23-24. When broken down by ethnicity, enrollment has remained relatively steady across all groups. But the district is seeing an increase in economically disadvantaged student enrollment, from 1,435 (or 24% of all students) in 21-22, to 1,687 (29%) in 23-24.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — At the May 9 Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education meeting, resident John Miller encouraged the district to consider prohibiting cell phones in high schools and middle schools.
“That’s something that I’m interested in, and that a number of other parents that I’ve talked to are interested in,” Miller said during a public comment period.
Board member Dr. John Brueggemann later echoed Mr. Miller’s idea. “I would like to formally request that the administration look into the possibilities of taking more aggressive steps on this front,” he said.
Board President Tony Krackeler said he could take a straw poll at the next meeting to see how board members feel about the issue.
States across the country – including Florida, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Kansas – have recently introduced legislation designed to curtail cell phone use in schools.
The Ballston Spa High School 2024 Envirothon team. Photo provided by Stuart Williams.
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa High School Envirothon team finished second overall at this year’s environmentally-themed academic competition at Saratoga State Park. The team also took first place in three different categories: Aquatics, Forestry, and Current Issue.
The team, dubbed the “Enviodorks,” was made up of Asa Coleman, Jestin Ratti, Jesse Schallert, and Travis Valentin. Ballston Spa High School science instructor Mrs. Marcotullio was their coach.
The New York Envirothon is designed to test students’ knowledge and understanding of natural resource issues within the state.
Candidates for the Schuylerville Central School District Board of Education: Joanna Crowley, Jennifer Moreau, Robert Thivierge, and Jonathon Procter. Photos via the SCSD website.
SCHUYLERVILLE — Residents of the Schuylerville Central School District will have an opportunity to vote on the annual school budget, as well as select two members of the district’s Board of Education on May 21. The two seats up for grabs are currently held by Joanna Crowley (who is running for re-election) and Shaun Cumm. Once elected, the two board members will serve five-year terms beginning July 1.
The candidates below appear in the order in which their names will appear on the ballot.
Robert Thivierge served 28 years in the United States Air Force and retired in 2014. He is currently employed as a driver at Tymetal, delivering high security gate systems. A 1986 Schuylerville High School graduate, Thivierge has supported various programs and organizations as his own children advanced through the district. He volunteered with Old Saratoga Athletic Association (OSAA) youth sports, assisted with the Schuylerville Youth Lacrosse program, and helped the JV and varsity football teams, among other volunteer roles.
Thivierge previously served on the Schuylerville CSD Board of Education for ten years, 2013-2023, and served in the executive roles of president, vice-president, and legislative liaison. Thivierge’s wife, Ruth Anne, has worked as an elementary school teacher in the district since 1997. They live in Schuylerville. They have three children who are Schuylerville High School graduates and their eldest granddaughter will attend the UPK program at Schuylerville in the fall.
“I am running for the Board of Education to ensure integrity, transparency, and accountability,” Thivierge said in a statement. “I strive to advocate for quality education, to empower educators and all staff, and to shape a future where excellence, innovation, and opportunity are at the core of our educational system at Schuylerville School.”
Jonathon Procter is the Vice-President-Property & Casualty Consultant for USI Insurance Services, where he is a broker of commercial property and construction insurance. He graduated from Schuylerville High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in history from SUNY Brockport in 2012. He is currently a member of the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Contractors Association, and the North Country Chamber of Commerce, and an ambassador for Associated Builders and Contractors. Procter has four children and his family lives in Gansevoort.
“I am a graduate of the district who is raising my family in the district,” Procter said. “I have a lot of pride in our wonderful community and would be honored to be part of voicing the opinions and concerns of the people that the Board of Education serves.”
Joanna Crowley is the current vice-president of the Schuylerville CSD Board of Education and has served on the Board since 2019. She is a stay-at-home mom who has lived in the district for 16 years. Crowley graduated from Saratoga Springs High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Syracuse University, and a master’s degree in accounting from the University at Albany. Crowley is a former accountant for AngioDynamics, as well as a former auditor with PwC, PricewaterhouseCoopers.
During her time on the Board, Crowley served as Audit Committee Chair and Legislative Liaison. She also served on several other committees, including COVID-19 re-opening, Code of Conduct, and STA negotiations. She previously served as treasurer and secretary of the Wellspring Board and was a softball and soccer coach for Old Saratoga Athletic Association. Crowley and her husband have two daughters and reside in Saratoga Springs.
“Effective school board members balance the needs of a variety of different stakeholders to reach decisions that are in the best interest of the district as a whole, and most importantly our students,” Crowley said. “With two daughters in the district, I have a pulse on the students’ needs, activities taking place on campus, and an availability to parents, students, teachers and staff. The upcoming challenges that we face require experience, knowledge of the issues, and a real commitment to finding solutions. I am proud of the work that I’ve put in over the past five years and hope to have the opportunity to continue that work. I look forward to serving another 5 years as a member of the Board of Education.”
Jennifer Moreau is a retired Schuylerville Elementary School teacher. In 20 years at Schuylerville, she taught first, third, and fourth grades, as well as 4th grade ELA and social studies in a team-teaching model. She is currently a supervisor for SUNY Cortland student-teachers who have placements in the Capital Region and was previously a cooperating classroom teacher for student teachers from SUNY Oneonta, the College of Saint Rose, Skidmore College, SUNY Plattsburgh, and SUNY New Paltz. Moreau graduated from Linton High School in Schenectady and earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development from the University of Maine at Orono, followed by a master’s degree in reading education from the University at Albany. Moreau began her teaching career at Scotia-Glenville, where she taught for 15 years.
During her time at Schuylerville, Moreau was a mentor-teacher for first-year teachers and a faculty co-advisor for Varsity Club, where she helped facilitate the transition to a new concession stand and helped coaches and athletes fundraise for their teams. Moreau was a committee member for the elementary building team and Schuylerville Dollars for Scholars, and an elementary representative for the COVID-19 reopening committee, as well as principal selection committee. She also served three two-year terms on the executive committee for the Schuylerville Teachers’ Association as an elementary building representative and was a member of two negotiation teams. Within the community, Moreau was a member of the Friends of Schuyler Park Committee during the park’s early years and worked to coordinate fundraising efforts for the playground. She has two daughters who are Schuylerville High School graduates. Moreau lives in Saratoga Springs.
“Almost 30 years ago, my husband and I intentionally built a house in this community so that our future children would benefit from an education in the Schuylerville Central School District,” Moreau said. “Now, as parents of two SCS graduates, we are so grateful for that decision.I am proud to say that I was a teacher in Schuylerville, but even more proud to say that both of our daughters are SCS graduates. Their positive experiences in the classroom, in extracurricular activities, and as student athletes prepared them well for college and helped shape who they are today as individuals. Schuylerville has amazing students, families, teachers, administrators and support staff. I look forward to working with the other members of the Board of Education in supporting the hard work of our faculty, staff and students, while maintaining a positive and engaging relationship with the community.”
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District’s Board of Education approved a proposed 2024-2025 budget of $107,179,996 last week.
There are three Community Budget Presentations being offered for district residents to learn more about the proposed budget. The presentations are scheduled for Monday, May 13 at the Ballston Town Hall; Tuesday, May 14 at the Malta Community Center; and Wednesday, May 15 at the Milton Community Center. All of the presentations will begin at 6:30 p.m.
District residents can vote on the budget on May 21 from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Residents of Malta can vote at the Malta Town Hall, while residents of Ballston, Milton and Charlton will vote at the Ballston Spa High School.
Voters will also choose two Board of Education members from three candidates: Jason Fernau, Fabrizia Rodriguez, and Tim Turbiak.
Jason Fernau was elected to the Board of Education in May 2018 to a three-year term and re-elected in May 2021. He was selected as the President in July 2021, 2022, and again in July 2023, after previously serving as the Vice President of the Board. He also currently serves on the WSWHE BOCES Board of Education. He is a Ballston Spa High School (BSHS) graduate and has been a resident in the district for over 45 years. He is the parent of two BSHS graduates, a son and a daughter. In his position statement, Fernau wrote that he was “committed to setting expectations for instructional excellence, safe and welcoming school environments, positive partnerships with our local Town and Village governments, fiscal responsibility to our taxpayers, and making sure that every student is engaged and challenged in their educational journey.”
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Fabrizia Rodriguez has more than 13 years experience advocating and representing families as an attorney with a focus on Child Welfare Laws and Immigration Law. Additionally, Rodriguez has experience in grant writing for Capital District BOCES and Centro Civico Inc. She served as a Parent Liaison for the Amsterdam School District and supported initiatives to enhance communication and involvement between school and family. Rodriguez has been residing in the Town of Ballston since 2018, and is the proud mother of two sons, a fifth grader and a third grader at Gordon Creek. She is the current Vice President of Ballston Spa Community Youth Football Inc. In her position statement, Rodriguez wrote that if elected, she would “advocate for modernized resources and tools to best support our staff in developing outstanding Ballston Spa citizens.”
Tim Turbiak was elected to the Board in May 2021 and began his three-year term in July 2021. During his time on the Board, he has served on the Policy Committee for the last two years, and as the liaison to the PTAs over the last 3 years. Tim moved to the area in 2019 from Brooklyn. Over the years he has helped organize a number of fundraisers, helping organizations such as Toys for Tots, Meals On Wheels, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He currently resides in Ballston Spa with his wife Eliana and their two children. In his position statement, Turbiak wrote that if re-elected, he intends “to help build on that progress as well as address the new challenges we face. I will advocate for policies and practices which promote inclusion, limit – if not remove – obstacles which may affect learning, and encourage our students to come to school and want to learn. I will support the district in providing the resources needed so each student has their individual needs met, and accomplish the ultimate goal to obtain a meaningful diploma.”
In addition to the budget vote and education board member elections, there will be three additional propositions on the ballot. Proposition 2 is for School Vehicle Replacement in the amount of up to $1,075,000 to purchase and replace school buses and vehicles. Proposition 3 allows the district to spend up to $595,000 to replace two bus lifts in the district’s Transportation Facility. Proposition 4 is for the Ballston Spa Public Library in the amount of $63,344 towards the expense of operating the public library.
Lira Bonitatibus and Louie Longobardo pose with their awards at a ceremony in Albany last month. Photo provided by Lexie Bonitatibus.
ALBANY — Two Saratoga Springs High School seniors were awarded the Capital Zone High School Student Leadership Awards in Physical Education at the Italian American Community Center in Albany last month.
Lira Bonitatibus and Louie Longobardo were recognized for their “high level of physical performance, scholastic achievement, exceptional leadership qualities, and outstanding service to the school or town/city community,” according to the Capital Zone. The students were nominated by Saratoga Springs High School physical education teacher Kelsey Allen.
Bonitatibus will attend Clemson University in the fall to study health sciences in the field of health promotion. Longobardo will attend SUNY Brockport to study physical education.
More than 100 students performed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s (SPAC) Spa Little Theater on Wednesday, May 1 as part of SPAC’s “Access the Arts” education program. Photo by Rebecca Loomis.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than 100 students of all ages and abilities from AIM Services and several local chapters of The Arc New York performed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s (SPAC) Spa Little Theater last Wednesday morning as part of SPAC’s “Access the Arts” education program.
The students danced, sang, and did improvisational comedy in front of a packed and lively crowd. The final performance share was the culmination of 10 weeks of music, dance, and improv theater classes that were curated for the students at the SPAC School of the Arts.
“The success of the Access the Arts program is significant because it epitomizes our mission as an organization,” said Jess Bien, Director of SPAC School of the Arts, in a statement. “Our program welcomes the diverse talents and unique perspectives of adults with disabilities, proving that when barriers dissolve, creativity thrives. Through the transformative power of the arts, we get to see a world of inclusion, access, and shared joy. Together, we’re not just creating art—we’re shaping a more inclusive, vibrant community where everyone’s voice is heard and celebrated.”
Launched in 2023, SPAC’s “Access the Arts” initiative is part of its mission to provide free access to the arts and inclusive programs for people of all ages and abilities.
