[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6097700,"mediaKeyId","2827513-71a01c2d0498685e11ff371b4aaf768a","parentId",2827513,"title","Superintendent urges support for May capital vote; board approves ballot propositions and adjusts budget calendar","audioSeconds",725,"startMs",4847000,"endMs",5572000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827513-71a01c2d0498685e11ff371b4aaf768a&start=4847&end=5572","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827513-71a01c2d0498685e11ff371b4aaf768a/thumbnail_4847000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6097700/New-York/Superintendent-urges-support-for-May-capital-vote-board-approves-ballot-propositions-and-adjusts-budget-calendar","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097700-97f844a405791e559ed0b5a0a0f0a933/orig.mp4?Expires=1770984014&Signature=hr9ydC6ekyAd5PQD-OQSVLIixWSN56N2EFgbxhJhfV0Gi0vW2Q44-cXOZMcF5CukStRGpcRKa3Vjj96uViEQwxP92dh8~QfHnRB5tKo3~xjK3ULyed7I0vC8iqx8ASYkff-3ZMkMsMc9NXSm~oAJWidOrADOT3PW9WdWpnYJtO8OU-ad2KKSRwnVQvO8IZAzEdFBfc02Ckg1~9DAXUnFzn4jmPv-ZXkynR~bPABQvvkNMlbH-Xa1NhaPVb5ojsft604Db2xr-t-52m2XhMlV8C1hgAnbywnLAvZ-LDIvLUCwWa7jxriLF3Z4QLFOzQILKq6uilL194-QrwpyW4sOBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-01T00:42:23.627Z","article","Superintendent Dr. Larry Schmeagle told the Watertown City School District Board of Education that a community vote on a proposed capital project is scheduled for May 20, and he urged residents to participate. He also reviewed budget scheduling and recent cost pressures that are shaping the district’s 2025–26 spending plan.

Dr. Schmeagle said the capital project newsletter and postcard reminders were distributed across the district and reiterated that the project is intended to keep buildings “safe, warm and dry.” He told the board the district expects substantial state building aid — “we get 93¢ for every dollar that we spend” — and that the capital plan is being structured so there will be no tax impact on district residents by using building aid and reserve funds the district has accumulated.

On the budget, staff told trustees the district is tracking several rising cost lines: a projected 40% increase in commercial property/insurance premiums (driven by national loss trends and recent local claims), higher utility costs, and increased health‑insurance employer costs. The superintendent and business staff said those pressures, alongside special education and staffing needs, will shape the draft budget to be finalized for board adoption in April and public presentation later this month.

Actions approved at the meeting:
- The board agreed to participate as lead agency in cooperative bids for supplies, services and equipment (resolution approved).
- The board amended the annual meeting/vote calendar (staff proposed budget presentation moved, community presentation set for April 28) and approved the legal‑notice timing changes.
- The board resolved to place several propositions on the May 20 ballot: (1) establishment of a new 10‑year capital reserve fund not to exceed $10,000,000, (2) a new 10‑year reserve for furniture and equipment not to exceed $1,000,000, and (3) a security‑related proposition (up to $500,000 from the IT reserve) — the last of these was discussed separately and ultimately tabled pending further input.

Dr. Schmeagle noted the district also has planned community outreach, including presentations to staff and two public forums; trustees set April 14 as the anticipated adoption date for the budget and scheduled a community presentation for April 28 at Case Middle School.

Why it matters: The capital project (and associated reserve actions) fund building improvements and equipment; state building aid can cover much of project cost, but the board must place bond/reserve propositions before district voters and finalize a voter‑facing budget that reflects rising insurance and personnel costs.

Ending: Board members asked staff for more detailed budget-to‑actual comparisons for the last three years and asked finance staff to present refined revenue and cost projections at the April 1 and April 14 meetings ahead of adoption and ballot publication.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","03/18/2025 WCSD BOE Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Dr. Larry Schmeagle reminded the board of a May 20 capital project vote and presented updated budget timing; the board approved multiple resolutions to place capital reserve propositions and related items on the May ballot and adjusted presentation dates.","taxTitle","WATERTOWN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",49388,"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},6097705,"Wiley Elementary highlights STEAM, mentorship and launches student newspaper club",951,635000,1586000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827513-71a01c2d0498685e11ff371b4aaf768a&start=635&end=1586","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827513-71a01c2d0498685e11ff371b4aaf768a/thumbnail_635000.jpg","/articles/6097705/New-York/Wiley-Elementary-highlights-STEAM-mentorship-and-launches-student-newspaper-club","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097705-3d147a3440985b0e3693a8a0aba54b25/orig.mp4?Expires=1770984014&Signature=idJ9N3hoEAGZiRVcQaxAJu~ZfmtDZrVVON8KL22wlSZMLPL7x6e1HqjI1-feCtVMPMLDF1sb4EEUpAIft5R7xUJzSeSLKUBH6m~wDgsV8WygW0DJULK1yfMVTS7FtS0ohXBTVlcOqIXdccnfbxj4f8Zyj80wtX7guC0wls2fHnKUNrD649EI1mUfUgr6fIiz0iQ-N-KzKoaN~y~jyQuXk~yIHw2i-AW5DKd1yw9AyWris8yqSklumiLprjnnrrBR17mx74PnKc0E3miViB9YbQSKul83nUpEdXY~VNipbqZAlAiqBocfLBjMV1sz8nilYfxFh2gVwhx9~7eYxTt~KQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wiley Elementary faculty and student representatives presented a roundup of school programs and student activities to the Watertown City School District Board of Education, and introduced a student‑run newspaper club.

Principal Chad Verichankel and teacher Olivia Gallagher described Wiley as the district’s entry point where early experiences aim to set the course for students through middle and high school. Verichankel highlighted academic performance, staffing, enrichment programs (gifted-and‑talent, FIRST LEGO League, choral ensemble, a new newspaper club) and partnerships including a North Country Family Health Clinic site and 4‑H. He summarized a new schoolwide math initiative in which students practice multiplication facts weekly and can earn shirts for reaching bench marks.

Jean Pingelly, Wiley’s library media specialist, introduced the newspaper club students and described its structure; student leader Blake told the board, “I wanted to start a newspaper at Wiley because I thought it would be a good teamwork skill and a learning experience for the ones in newspaper,” and said the club is developing issues using Google Slides. Club members said they were learning interviewing, photography and collaborative publishing skills. The group handed out a draft copy of the paper to board members.

The board acknowledged the school’s enrichment offerings and presented certificates to students involved in the newspaper project.

Why it matters: The presentation illustrated district elementary investments in STEAM, mentorship and early literacy, plus student leadership: the newspaper club gives students hands‑on experience with reporting, teamwork and digital publishing.

Ending: Staff said the school will continue to expand enrichment opportunities and will bring periodic updates to the board.","Wiley Elementary staff and students presented school programs, including a new newspaper club and a math‑facts incentive, and showcased student work during the board meeting.",{"_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},6097710,"Board waives facility fee for Encompass Recreation inclusive triathlon; district to be reimbursed for direct costs",7657,67000,7724000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827513-71a01c2d0498685e11ff371b4aaf768a&start=67&end=7724","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827513-71a01c2d0498685e11ff371b4aaf768a/thumbnail_67000.jpg","/articles/6097710/New-York/Board-waives-facility-fee-for-Encompass-Recreation-inclusive-triathlon-district-to-be-reimbursed-for-direct-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097710-a5bd6b035a8bcc4b49930443efc74ced/orig.mp4?Expires=1770984014&Signature=RDcRKy2HEzOjEbJ75oRCY~ES0oVBfrElmtlhXXvG4b-XPD7Lhccqbw1HYmp48W7PgDLat6m0kAh59XCWohjC5v8dL5-RYyWGIen4Sr2-kaS02Wjn3CtxeDD07Y9FAj0Q-tNzD6omJ25CMp-~dx~xfAit3ivhqfaOVXI8EHEnega1Vj-gjqdLOkdPn2fhfFUKMaz7VJauwm6lzpBZm0Ts7MQLoooTTGvV1b0~oBWOvkEw6NG6ndh0YUzz~95A-jZt~QNqRd~R2g-XZ5osyeZEiTEFlvOD-P~1yjkUW8Uoh6O3mbRb~659PgR8-waHdHdYxM74g9KsC3anwpSeNgOXOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Watertown City School District Board of Education approved a request from Encompass Recreation to waive facility rental fees for a proposed inclusive “exceptional triathlon” on June 29 and agreed to reimburse the district for direct costs such as custodial coverage.

Matt Burdick, Director of Student Empowerment Success for the Watertown City School District, presented on behalf of Kylie Schell, founder and executive director of Encompass Recreation, who appeared in a prerecorded video. Schell described Encompass Recreation as a nonprofit (501(c)(3)) offering free sports and recreation for youth “with higher support needs,” serving kids ages 2 through high school who do not feel accommodated in traditional programs. In the video Schell said the group provided more than 175 programs last year and had more than 1,800 youth participants across the region.

Burdick summarized the proposed event plan: a morning start at 10 a.m. on the track for a run, a bike/scoot/roll segment across the back parking lot, and a final swim in the district pool. He said Schell had requested a rental‑fee waiver after the district’s facilities platform returned a fee of about $1,200 for the day. Burdick told the board that pool safety would be managed by district lifeguards coordinated by Lori Peters and that parents and volunteers would also support supervision; cross‑country coach Anthony Perry had offered to recruit volunteers for the track portion.

Board members approved adding the item to the agenda and voted to waive the rental fee for the June 29 event, with a condition that the district be reimbursed for any direct costs it incurs for the event (for example custodial overtime if required). The motion passed with a routine voice vote.

Why it matters: Encompass Recreation’s programming is explicitly designed to remove cost and accessibility barriers; the board’s action permits the nonprofit to hold a free, adaptive multi‑sport event in district facilities while ensuring the district is not left to cover overtime or other operational costs.

Ending: Encompass Recreation will coordinate final details with district staff and confirm custodial and lifeguard arrangements; the district will receive reimbursement for documented direct expenses per the board action.","The board approved waiving rental fees for a June 29 inclusive 'exceptional triathlon' hosted by Encompass Recreation and authorized reimbursement for expenses the district directly incurs, subject to custodial and safety staffing costs.",{"_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},6097715,"Board tables plan to spend up to $500,000 from IT reserve on radios, metal detectors after cost debate",3508,2486000,5994000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827513-71a01c2d0498685e11ff371b4aaf768a&start=2486&end=5994","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827513-71a01c2d0498685e11ff371b4aaf768a/thumbnail_2486000.jpg","/articles/6097715/New-York/Board-tables-plan-to-spend-up-to-500000-from-IT-reserve-on-radios-metal-detectors-after-cost-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097715-e4754682db894084307d28ecb85b3911/orig.mp4?Expires=1770984014&Signature=dzcYyiyWkdM9tJ49IzJrh~ye4NE7dbyS5YCiLROyFS46LOHkByXiPQqS7-oeoEc3qPpBh-hYNVM8FbgGWd1V4fA737Fl29M3-Th5B3Sm1t4yinPkTATTToheImE2NO62Cl5glTOBcQ7tIe~NhJWUTUVd9UPjN4S7nOF-VM5drxrbOfrhEvgLBQ36A6ghEnBaAXUnRNTzMO27cMZ77Z0VkGJIDNqO3TPgQQLOuRW8tLdMyqiRS4Ndw2r1w1oDHHU5PuYcStxEBSJDpuwWZoIKDj0FLQNidn6DYcudA-E8QVjJJKN31IynYlstNlQvL-z4hS3Vk2kOL4jH5TgqcOW5ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Watertown City School District Board of Education paused consideration of a $500,000 security proposition after a lengthy presentation and questions from board members about cost, maintenance and community priorities.

Chris Flood, an engineer with Wells Communications and Bearcom, told the board the district’s planned upgrade would be a linked, capacity-plus Motorola digital radio system with eight repeaters at six locations and a convergence device (Motorola ION) for mobile data, voice and third‑party apps. Flood said the system would let staff “roam like a cell phone” across school sites, allow a districtwide emergency “site‑wide all call,” and offer encryption that limits scanner monitoring. He described radio models proposed for the quote (XPR 3500 handsets, R7 administrative radios, Motorola ION convergence devices) and mobile radios for building-and-grounds vehicles.

Flood noted long‑term service life for repeaters, warranty coverage and replacement cycles for batteries; he also identified optional annual maintenance that covers service calls and shipping costs to the factory. “You don’t have to worry about where people are sitting and what they’re doing. They can literally be anywhere in the district,” he said of the linked system.

Board members pressed for more detail on price and recurring costs. During the discussion, one member noted the quote included roughly 100 basic portables, a smaller number of higher‑end managerial radios and several ION devices; Flood confirmed a quoted line in the presentation that “a hundred of them is $74,000,” and he answered questions about a recurring maintenance line and a 172‑hour installation estimate. Several board members said the radios’ safety benefits were clear but questioned whether the district should spend that sum now instead of addressing other infrastructure needs.

Some trustees favored buying the Open Gate metal detectors described in the packet — board discussion repeatedly returned to the detectors as a lower‑cost, more narrowly targeted safety purchase — but board members said they wanted direct input from school safety officers, building principals and the district’s SROs before authorizing the full package for the ballot. One board member summarized the practical safety case: if improved communications “saves 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds for law enforcement, it’s worth every dime,” while others emphasized maintenance, replacement‑cycle and recurring cost concerns.

After the discussion the board moved to table a resolution that would have placed the security proposition on the May ballot and authorized spending up to $500,000 from the IT reserve to pay for security system upgrades (the district packet listed Open Gate metal detectors and the Motorola radio system). The motion to table passed.

Next steps: the board asked staff to arrange an April 1 meeting in which representatives from the security/safety committee, building principals and SROs would present operational needs and recommended configurations so trustees could evaluate need, scale and funding options before the board’s April agenda deadline for placing propositions on the ballot.

Ending: The district did not adopt any security spending at this meeting. Trustees asked for more evidence from front‑line safety staff and for a clearer cost breakdown (including projected local net cost after any state aid) before asking voters to approve reserve spending.","After a technical presentation on a proposed districtwide Motorola radio system and a quote for Open Gate metal detectors, the Watertown Board of Education voted to table a proposal that would have authorized up to $500,000 from the district's IT reserve for security upgrades.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent urges support for May capital vote; board approves ballot propositions and adjusts budget calendar

Wiley Elementary highlights STEAM, mentorship and launches student newspaper club

Board waives facility fee for Encompass Recreation inclusive triathlon; district to be reimbursed for direct costs

Board tables plan to spend up to $500,000 from IT reserve on radios, metal detectors after cost debate