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District highlights new athletic facilities, Northstar Network and expands Unified program
Summary
The North Syracuse Central School District heard a presentation on major athletics upgrades at Cicero-North Syracuse High School — including a community aquatic center — and recognized growth in the Northstar Network and Unified Sports, with the board approving a new co-curricular broadcasting coach position.
The North Syracuse Central School District on June 1 heard an athletics presentation that described major capital improvements at Cicero-North Syracuse High School and celebrated growth in student-run broadcasting and Unified Sports.
Tim Bernarki, speaking for the athletics department, said the renovations include a renovated gymnasium, upgraded locker rooms, a multi-purpose space and "the most transformative addition is the new community aquatic center." He said the aquatic center will provide space for swim teams, physical-education programming, water safety instruction and community access while maintaining student security.
Bernarki also praised the Northstar Network, the district's student broadcasting program, and singled out graduating seniors Joey Cox, Alex Schneel and Owen Lynch for their work. He noted alumnus Giovani Heater propelled from the program to a career in college sports broadcasting, saying the network has helped students pursue related careers.
On Unified Sports, Bernarki said the program began in 2017 or 2018 with a single unified basketball team of about 10 members and has since grown to more than 100 participants across basketball, bowling and a unified club. "The unified program represents the very best of what education and athletics can be," he said, crediting co-coach Becky Jones and other staff and families for support.
The board presented certificates of appreciation to unified coaches Eric Smith and Becky Jones at Bernarki's request and approved a co-curricular position to serve as a Northstar Network broadcasting coach, citing the program's expanded workload.
The presentation portrayed the athletics upgrades as investments intended to serve both students and residents in Cicero and North Syracuse and emphasized student opportunities in athletics, broadcasting and inclusive programming.
The district's recognition portion also included presidential-type awards and scholarships for board members and students; no formal vote was required on the presentation itself. The board moved on to routine business after the presentations.
