[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6275732,"mediaKeyId","2768879-8c217803fc8961d3e78b4d8d08285721","parentId",2768879,"title","Valley Central board majority backs planning for new Walden Elementary on alternate site","audioSeconds",3884,"startMs",2810000,"endMs",6694000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2768879-8c217803fc8961d3e78b4d8d08285721&start=2810&end=6694","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2768879-8c217803fc8961d3e78b4d8d08285721/thumbnail_2810000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6275732/New-York/Valley-Central-board-majority-backs-planning-for-new-Walden-Elementary-on-alternate-site","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275732-958428076ffbca6793843ee822d8866e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771068894&Signature=bEYwWgaVLy6Vt2uHyFKEZxMj3vsbvJQzJAxsv~tVBbbERT~3Z0~umpYKuTc57ho7KbAaVmkqHJ8g1Jd83mUTyEIhk1AHpHJ5rqEWjvkgraUFVtQKehpvjg25AaqsaweCp3av4nt16Aai8PrVUMqHjoXQhvY1Fwp-kvc31jnmVO3a5OoLot0YIW88cKhpcXLhkHCLU8oQcZamePezbfNtlhlPn8A8tpTYHouWR~QrMwAUUZ2eSrF35gxvtMGAoHDk-Smypr8NbQiz8AX5pdUb-ZSRFAhQfMYrwwQgxghApaQG8sh5TDa7-PNUYVmzUGMpw5B7gXl5JUVBJ4~8dh2uow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-26T04:03:03.297Z","article","The Valley Central School District Board of Education signaled it will pursue planning for a new Walden Elementary School on an alternate site, after several board members said renovation options and a district-wide reorganization either would leave the district with continued facility deficiencies or cause excessive disruption and long-term costs.

Board members spent the March 25 meeting reviewing cost estimates, state-aid implications and program impacts for options the district and the Walden Building Committee had studied. The board’s majority preference — described during deliberations as a plan to draft and vote on a resolution to move forward with a new school on an off-site parcel — was announced near the end of the roundtable discussion; board leaders said they expect a formal vote at the next meeting once legal documents are prepared.

Why it matters: Walden Elementary has been identified in district materials and the building committee’s work as lacking parking, green play space, compliant special-education spaces and other items that state standards expect. The options presented ranged from renovating the existing Orchard Street building to reopening and renovating Maybrook, to an intermediate-model reorganization, to constructing a new K–5 building at a new site. Board members said a new building would best address equity and long-term needs without repeated, disruptive relocations of students.

Board members detailed the tradeoffs and the large price tags involved. Renovation estimates for the existing Walden site were cited in the meeting as roughly $38 million–$46 million, while a newly constructed K–5 school at an alternate site was estimated at about $72 million–$79 million. A district-wide intermediate reorganization (reopening Maybrook as K–3; converting Berea to an intermediate facility with a 15‑classroom addition) was presented in staff materials at about $73 million. Renovating both Maybrook and Walden and adding to Berea was another scenario the board reviewed, with consultants’ estimates placing similar totals in the low‑ to mid‑$70 millions. Meeting presenters and board members emphasized that those totals refer to project costs before any state aid is applied.

Board members who favored a new site emphasized the non‑financial costs of renovation and reorganization: parking, playground space, adequate rooms for special services, and two‑year relocations of students to temporary classrooms. One member said renovation options “would be a detrimental disruption to our students, families and staff.” Another member called the new‑site option “what is best for Valley Central as a whole,” noting that finding land and logistics would be challenging but not a reason not to try.

Opposing or cautious points raised during the discussion included concerns about district‑wide impacts and whether a reorganization could deliver broader long‑term benefits across elementary schools. Board members also highlighted that state building aid timelines and amounts can change, and that financing will require the district to borrow up front while aid is phased in.

Next steps: Board leadership said they will direct counsel to draft a resolution to proceed with planning for a new Walden Elementary at an alternate site and expect to vote on that resolution at the next board meeting. No final construction contract or site selection was approved at the March 25 session.

Additional context: Public comment earlier in the meeting included Walden residents urging transparency about the building‑committee membership and the district’s maintenance history at Walden Elementary. Board members repeatedly cited the need to balance students’ short‑term stability with long‑term facility equity across the district.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting - 03/25/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Valley Central School District Board of Education signaled it will pursue planning for a new Walden Elementary School on an alternate site, after several board members said renovation options and a district‑wide reorganization either would leave the district with continued facility deficiencies or cause excessive disruption and long‑term costs.","taxTitle","VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (MONTGOMERY), School Districts, New York","taxId",60078,"location","New York","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6275715,"Votes at a glance: key motions approved at Valley Central board meeting, March 25",5818,178000,5996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2768879-8c217803fc8961d3e78b4d8d08285721&start=178&end=5996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2768879-8c217803fc8961d3e78b4d8d08285721/thumbnail_178000.jpg","/articles/6275715/New-York/Votes-at-a-glance-key-motions-approved-at-Valley-Central-board-meeting-March-25","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275715-d760e3463a6598b92ee53f1296d59b73/orig.mp4?Expires=1771068894&Signature=PjfmK18aN0Kp6~ZH9BxtAT78pZHEY5DXA6bdJDsMW8b1HBQ3OLOxZNRw4HX1LDPrzoU31MJHYgN6WXWt103nYJIyQbd14fzqbFhNrxTt9Bh-1uPjuAzJ93XtDXvEi20Eo0zB3qFcyW9Jkt21DvHog4BBAGKCVveNKzJ0sg4bE0ZuL0WP2aNATxfRwYIFJTN9ZiIA1wz7g8japDu6LXqtQ-Rtgor9eybFJSubB3EaDipCSSSFclUhNW~KCTx~a4w9SxsqRDshCnZakQUoVXE8-YeAOUlS5OuVGuscL1F5PVMg9wxPKl7P8Qu-rHe0Ogj94TWc-behjZCN7qOKdKf0tA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Valley Central School District Board of Education recorded a series of unanimous approvals on procedural and procurement items at its March 25 meeting. Most motions passed by voice vote or roll call with a 6–0 tally where recorded.

Votes recorded at the March 25 meeting (summary):

- Consent agenda: Approved by voice vote, 6–0.
- Approval of CSR proposal (consultant study): Motion moved and approved by voice vote, 6–0. Board discussion noted that the CSR scope includes items not covered in the earlier study and that study components will address building systems (electrical, etc.).
- Adoption of resolution: capital project Type II (SEQR action): Adopted (voice vote recorded as in favor; no opposed votes reported).
- Adoption of the special proposition for a capital project to appear on the ballot: Adopted, voice vote recorded 6–0.
- Establishment of 2025 annual meeting procedures and district election/budget‑vote timeline (including public hearing May 12 and vote May 20): Adopted via roll call vote, 6–0. The resolution set deadlines for petitions and described petition signature thresholds and board‑of‑registration dates.
- Appointment of permanent chairperson, election inspectors and assistant clerk for the May 20 election: Adopted by roll call, 6–0 (permanent chair: Frank Petine; assistant clerk: Lisa Kimball; multiple inspectors and alternates listed in the resolution packet).
- BOCES cooperative purchasing resolution: Adopted (voice vote recorded in favor; no opposing votes reported).
- Approval of agreement with American Fence Company for fencing at Walden Elementary: Approved by motion and voice vote, 6–0.

Why it matters: These votes advance required procedural steps for the district’s capital‑project planning and annual election process, authorize a consultant study to inform facility decisions and clear a procurement contract for site security at Walden Elementary. The capital project proposition will appear on the ballot if advanced through the scheduled resolution and public‑notification steps.

Quotable procedural note: The district clerk read detailed statutory notice language for the budget hearing and voting procedures; nominating petition rules and petition deadlines were included in the resolution the board adopted.

Where to find details: Resolutions and full voting records are available in the district’s meeting packet and will be included in the minutes for March 25.","The board approved the consent agenda, several capital‑project resolutions, the CSR study proposal, election procedures, purchasing and a fence contract. All recorded roll‑call votes were unanimous (6–0) where tallies were read.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6275719,"Valley Central to transition communications to ParentSquare; pilot underway, full rollout planned for September",590,1709000,2299000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2768879-8c217803fc8961d3e78b4d8d08285721&start=1709&end=2299","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2768879-8c217803fc8961d3e78b4d8d08285721/thumbnail_1709000.jpg","/articles/6275719/New-York/Valley-Central-to-transition-communications-to-ParentSquare-pilot-underway-full-rollout-planned-for-September","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275719-a038e6dc770b0e740b075351a3159cd0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771068894&Signature=X1iJuPN33emXXyBsjW1VZvF57Tk7RPkLPLKGoxs--ES4A2-qGsRuk6lDoAY0rZYNMqTuREbBi6xYhx4oAKUAjUfLCsh1p11j35hph4w5-IM4ZKlrHRHfZ10-JNaFua2cp9N~tcv19g9gez-Fxu~TAyEndMccW92VHDjQAHA9lCBjWvH34zXzuJG6Y7tVYd6dmGZWVPKwqxFbjR11n3YN8FbLAc09ltBTZ3gwabCuSGCucLoKqOrtkLNVkGr6qw~2wGLx~1Yx5nM1hCv5HWgRj8HRR8IKK~ahq6smusUcgWm5ZWnSPqrDm3kKAWkLx3QnYD8SDR0c2dnXu1jnkJcUEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Erin Johnson, the district’s public information specialist, described the district’s move to ParentSquare — a unified communications platform that will consolidate messaging for families, staff and community groups.

Why it matters: District leaders said ParentSquare will centralize district and school communications, support translation in more than 100 languages, provide ADA‑friendly features such as alt text prompts, and enable targeted messaging (by class, grade, school or groups such as athletics). The district expects that a unified system will increase engagement and reduce message fatigue by allowing users to choose digests or real‑time alerts.

Rollout details and features: Staff said parents may already access ParentSquare and a limited group of teachers are piloting the system. Training for all teachers will follow; administrators plan a phased rollout with full district transition targeted for September. Athletic communications currently use SportsU; the district intends to train coaches so teams can move to ParentSquare for team‑level messaging next school year.

Accessibility: Presenters highlighted two‑way translation (100+ languages), alt text encouragement for images and multi‑channel urgent alerts (phone/text/email). ParentSquare also provides automated attendance notifications and user preference controls (real‑time vs daily digest), and an admin dashboard with engagement tracking to monitor reach and usage.

Status: Pilot in progress; limited parent access and a small teacher pilot. District intends full implementation in stages and to retire duplicative platforms when the transition is complete.","District public information specialist outlined ParentSquare’s features, pilot status and accessibility supports; parents currently can use the app, a small teacher pilot is underway, and districtwide switch is planned for September with phased training for coaches and staff.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6275724,"Valley Central proposes $133.8 million budget for 2025–26; tax‑levy increase 2.49%",1104,4577000,5681000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2768879-8c217803fc8961d3e78b4d8d08285721&start=4577&end=5681","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2768879-8c217803fc8961d3e78b4d8d08285721/thumbnail_4577000.jpg","/articles/6275724/New-York/Valley-Central-proposes-1338-million-budget-for-202526-taxlevy-increase-249","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275724-e3d461e062d780a34138bdd52375fa08/orig.mp4?Expires=1771068894&Signature=ayCk-X9UKTElcHdNJ3Am2~s5CFxo4-zqod9t4VrxPYGJIEjBL603eowlp6WnycUOFkEkRuI74pQR4xtrDiCbDSv8EOwAfvC18dDC8jx6lb0xzrRtZa70a02qqzLFUiiAB5lDLeNoV315Cepkb0iyFMQ5rkvkef8MXd2aQxZ5DAU9DVQHrXjgP-MDvByS3Yn2hGrtBOf1brGVEBsVh5ME-LWO0Lrev~gz4A0fVklbb6FyXP~EpAq~zWwJYFPMz3fo2BkVNNRb3GN0ZNzYmZiv8XxwGS8gsDQbEbhHcebQmaQKysOCaO24XpE9a1gPz6IBd6CEiUzAObXHN05YqOS4iA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Valley Central School District officials presented the proposed budget for the 2025–26 school year on March 25, recommending a total spending plan of $133,800,000 and a tax‑levy increase of 2.49 percent.

Why it matters: The proposed spending plan funds district priorities and will be placed before voters; if adopted, it would shape staffing, curriculum rollout and capital spending for the next school year.

Key figures and priorities: The superintendent and business office highlighted these points:

- Proposed budget: $133,800,000 (recommended).
- Budget‑to‑budget increase: 3.48 percent.
- Proposed tax‑levy increase: 2.49 percent (district tax‑cap calculation noted at 5.1 percent maximum).
- Program/administrative/capital split: program 81%, capital 10%, administrative 9%.
- State aid projected: $55,695,000 (district noted state aid figures typically increase from the governor’s proposal but may change).
- Appropriated fund balance: recommended $1,250,000 (down from the current year).

New or expanded priorities identified for 2025–26 included CKLA literacy implementation (multi‑year licensing and materials), additional coaching/athletics chaperones and a uniform replacement allocation (~$50,000 start), cybersecurity protection, furniture replacement across the district, summer technology support and a proposed assistant principal at East Goldenham Elementary.

Other details presented: The budget materials call out a final phase‑in of a BOCES capital project with a projected 2025–26 line‑item cost of about $1,051,412 (the presentation said the district expects partial state aid to offset that). Salary and benefits increases were included; total expenditures included projected increases in salaries ($1.4M) and employee benefits, with an overall program component increase of $2.6M year‑over‑year.

Timeline: The board was asked to take comments and return April 7 for adoption of the proposed budget to be placed on the ballot. The public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for May 12, and the annual budget vote is set for May 20, 2025.

Quotable: Presenters said the district is taking a “transparent” process with administrator and building‑level input informing priorities. The business office noted it is reducing reliance on appropriated fund balance while maintaining reserve levels within policy.

Status: Proposed budget; board to consider adoption at April 7 meeting before the May 20 public vote.","The district presented a recommended $133.8 million budget for 2025–26 with a 2.49% tax‑levy increase and program priorities that include CKLA literacy, athletics support, cybersecurity, furniture replacement and an assistant principal at East Goldenham.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6275728,"Valley Central reviews CKLA literacy pilot; staff recommend broader adoption pending end‑of‑year data",966,430000,1396000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2768879-8c217803fc8961d3e78b4d8d08285721&start=430&end=1396","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2768879-8c217803fc8961d3e78b4d8d08285721/thumbnail_430000.jpg","/articles/6275728/New-York/Valley-Central-reviews-CKLA-literacy-pilot-staff-recommend-broader-adoption-pending-endofyear-data","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275728-4a8dfc2df22302cfa3c7c6999301015e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771068894&Signature=YfXnWbcft6L021nzkr3GqS5rFNWw-nK9ordE-aKFF6ZqpErrfd0T0pi78Ec8tka8yuOh0kFRC8MTVU97yOhqF3aM24aHWZyWP6Af44~zYzUOshPkfLdCgLaCKET2ZMf3loYJ7aiQEDCha20F4Q2Oc-~XQs7GGIkdwlGZDf2VO4aUlyWuuaWjigoV2mRgsDUCQGHuMBI3LnyLwgVaLktaitCRP3DKrDrveJpbabb94NJVdAMtX8sY~33izvoTDfE~IR7C8YuO5j1121AmrLFTVpO0EUL-UxvDTBirEodYmMFeM2hvlyJXpXobSiMNUcqaJMCiH6u6UJ7Adb34x~3kHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction presented findings from the district’s pilot of the Amplify CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) literacy program and outlined next steps including continued piloting, data collection and a possible district‑level adoption decision.

Why it matters: The presentation connected the pilot to the district’s literacy goals and noted state guidance pushing for literacy instruction that aligns with the “science of reading.” The district is weighing evidence from teacher and student feedback, local assessments and midyear diagnostic comparisons before making a final adoption decision.

What the district presented: The curriculum office said the pilot included multiple elementary grade levels. The presentation reported 234 responses from third through fifth graders about elements they liked; pilot teachers cited clearer, more explicit teacher manuals, integrated grammar and writing supports, and assessment tools (DIBELS, mClass and Amplify’s Boost reading). Teacher survey responses showed 81 percent of pilot teachers recommending the program for district use. Parent feedback (65 responses) noted gains in reading comprehension, phonics and vocabulary, though some parents said the program can be demanding for students.

Preliminary assessment comparisons presented at midyear showed that pilot students in four of six comparable grade levels posted gains over non‑pilot peers; presenters cautioned that end‑of‑year data is needed for a full evaluation. The presenter also noted that CKLA includes a digital assessment suite and an intervention path (Boost reading) but emphasized that teachers must continue to exercise professional judgment.

Budget link and next steps: District budget materials presented the CKLA line items under curriculum and instruction; administrators said CKLA costs are multiyear and that the budget includes an allocation to begin districtwide implementation if the board decides to adopt. No formal adoption vote occurred on March 25. The presenter said additional data will be available in June and staff will bring recommendations forward after end‑of‑year results are analyzed.

Quotable: The presenter said the pilot “offers a comprehensive suite” of assessment and instruction while noting “any program is not perfect” and that teachers must still use classroom assessment to differentiate instruction.

Status: Pilot ongoing. Staff recommended continued review and asked the board to await end‑of‑year diagnostic and program data before approving any district‑wide adoption.","Assistant superintendent for curriculum reviewed the Amplify CKLA literacy pilot, describing survey results from students, teachers and parents and noting preliminary midyear assessment results that favored pilot classrooms; no district‑wide adoption was approved, but the proposed 2025–26 budget includes funding for CKLA materials.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Valley Central board majority backs planning for new Walden Elementary on alternate site

Votes at a glance: key motions approved at Valley Central board meeting, March 25

Valley Central to transition communications to ParentSquare; pilot underway, full rollout planned for September

Valley Central proposes $133.8 million budget for 2025–26; tax‑levy increase 2.49%

Valley Central reviews CKLA literacy pilot; staff recommend broader adoption pending end‑of‑year data