Dear school community member:
I hope this message finds you in the very best of health and spirit as we welcome a brand new year with brand new possibilities! Below are a few FCSD updates.
Board of Education Update
It is my pleasure to introduce our newest Board of Education member, Ms. Wasima Shahid. Ms. Shahid was appointed during the Board of Education meeting on December 9, 2024. She is replacing retired long-time board of education member, Ms. Arlene Hussey. Ms. Hussey proudly served on the Board of Education from 2007 through 2024. We wish her a happy and fulfilling retirement and we welcome Ms. Wasima Shahid to the FCSD Board of Education!
School Safety Update
As a response to the rash of threats of violence to the Fallsburg Central School District in September and October, we worked with our law enforcement partners to put together a series of school safety assemblies for students in grades 5-12, to discuss the dangers and implications of making school threats. Participating in these assemblies were our school resource officers, Town of Fallsburg Police Department (TOFPD) Police Chief Brendan Pavese, TOFPD detectives, Sullivan County District Attorney Brian Conaty, and Sullivan County Family Court Judge E. Danielle Jose-Decker. Together this team sent thoughtful messages to our students explaining the ramifications of making school threats and also reminded our students about the importance of reporting suspicious and threatening behaviors. Following the student assemblies, a parent forum was held for parents on school safety relative to threats of violence. Students and parents asked good questions at these events and their feedback indicates that these assemblies were timely and well-received.
School Budget Planning
We are at the beginning stage of planning for the 2025-26 school budget. This stage involves our staff doing preliminary budget planning in both of our buildings. In January, the Governor will present her budget which will further guide our budget planning process. Budget presentations will take place starting in late January/early February. The board will adopt the budget in April and the school community will vote on the budget on May 20, 2025. The board is proud to have had 6 consecutive school budgets without raising taxes and our collective goal continues to be developing a school budget that will have a minimal impact to the tax levy. More on the budget in the months ahead.
May 2025 bring each of us the very best of everything. Happy New Year!
Educationally yours,
Ivan J. Katz, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools