Voters approve 2013-14 school budget

May 21, 2013

On Tuesday, May 21 voters approved the 2013-14 budget proposal by a vote of 374 to 197. They also approved the bus proposition by a vote of 361 to 207. Residents elected to the board of education newcomers Kent Sanders and Ken Meyer, who received 297 and 241 votes, respectively. The school budget for next year totals $14,453,014 and carries a 2.89 percent tax levy increase, which is below the district’s tax levy limit (4.47 percent). The approved budget represents a 1.81 percent spending increase over the current year’s budget.  “I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to come out and vote today,” says Superintendent Christine Crowley. “Every vote counts and we appreciate your support in these challenging economic times--thank you.”

Superintendent’s statement regarding the cancellation of the Organic Chemistry class

May 20, 2013

On behalf of the Board of Education and administration, I would like to clarify the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of Organic Chemistry earlier this year. [FULL STATEMENT]

Bluegrass concert, May 30

May 17, 2013

Join DCS for an evening of Bluegrass music with Duanesburg music teacher Scott Hopkins’ band, Beartracks, that will be performing at Duanesburg Elementary school on May 30 at 7 p.m. Admission is $8 per person or $20 per family. Proceeds will support the Duanesburg Band fund. Dessert and drinks will be available for purchase so bring your appetite. The Class of 2019 will also be offering Italian dinners from Canali’s on this evening. Pre-ordered take out dinners will be available from 4:30 to 7p.m. for $10 per dinner. Please come enjoy an evening of good food and music supporting two great causes.

Duaneburg teacher attends Connections for Education and Jobs at Tech Valley High School

May 15, 2013

Duanesburg Middle School teacher Lisa DiBella was part of the kick-off event for Tech Valley Connection for Education and Jobs that GLOBALFOUNDRIES and the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) conducted at TVHS on Tuesday, May 14. [FULL STORY]

Meet-the-Board-Candidates Night, May 16

May 15, 2013

On Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. in the high school MOCC, residents will have a chance to meet the four residents running for the two open seats on the Duanesburg Board of Education. The candidates are Walter Silva, Henry "Gus" Geidel, Kent Sanders and Ken Meyer. [LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES]

Friends of Music fundraiser

May 13, 2013

The Friends of Music--that raise money for the Duanesburg School District's music/drama department--is raffling off two framed prints as its last fundraiser of the year. (See one print at right.) The prints were donated by Country Outlet Framing and have an estimated combined value of over $400. Raffle tickets will be sold and the prints will be on display at all Duanesburg spring concerts. The winning raffle tickets will be drawn at the Elementary School concert on Thursday, June 6. (You do not need to be present to win.) [RAFFLE TICKET ORDER FORM]

DCS Varsity baseball and softball coaches earn 300th win

April 25, 2013

The past few weeks have been full of athletic-breaking news as two of the district's long-time and beloved coaches earned their 300th coaching win. Congratulations to Varsity Baseball Coach Chris Wyanski and Varsity Softball Coach John Conway. [READ MORE]

State tests to reflect new Common Core Learning Standards

April 10, 2013

In April, Duanesburg students in grades 3-8 and their peers throughout New York will take the grades 3-8 state tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. These tests mark a time of transition in Duanesburg schools and in the state, as this is the first year they will be based on the new Common Core Learning Standards. [LEARN MORE] [LETTER FROM SUPERINTENDENT]

Understanding the NY State's 2% Tax Levy Cap in its second Year

March 24, 2013

Do you understand New York State's so called "2%" tax levy cap? Well, it's not really a 2% cap at all. Take a look at this short video ... it explains it well! [DOWNLOAD TAX CAP BROCHURE]

DCS high school students win at SkillsUSA Regionals

March 19, 2013

A number of local high school students, including Duanesburg students Nick Cornaire, Alexis Hicks and Cody Largeteau, enrolled at the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School (Career & Tech) in Albany (Colonie) and Schoharie won events at the March 13 SkillsUSA Regional Competitions at Schenectady County Community College. [READ MORE]

Understanding the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA)

February 20, 2013

Have you been hearing a great deal about the Gap Elimination Adjustment, or GEA, but are not really sure what it is and how it's impacting school districts? You are not alone. Many state and school budget issues are difficult to fully grasp, but hopefully this video will give you a better understanding--and perhaps just make you want to advocate a little bit more for public education. But first, here's some background information:  The Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) law was first introduced for the 2010-11 fiscal year by then-Governor Paterson as a way to help close New York’s then $10 billion budget deficit. Under the legislation, a portion of the funding shortfall at the state level is divided among all school districts throughout the state and reflected as a reduction in school district state aid. The GEA is a negative number, money that is deducted from the aid originally due to the district. And it means that many school districts have a gapping hole in their budget due to this reduction in aid. In Duanesburg, it equates to a $1 million hole. Watch an explanatory video to learn more.

Duanesburg supports Education Speaks blog

Nearly every day a local, regional or national news story about public education can be found in the media. For parents, education leaders and politicians alike, public education is a hot topic that requires the utmost attention. That is why DCS is supporting and sharing with the community a new blog, Education Speaks, created by Capital Region BOCES. Education Speaks is devoted to a thoughtful discussion of the issues shaping public education in New York’s Greater Capital Region and beyond. So, if you're passionate about education, take a look at Education Speaks.

Follow DCS athletic news on Twitter

Athletic Director Penny Hardenstine is making it even easier for students, parents, coaches and community members to be in the know about the Duanesburg Athletic Department through Twitter. Sign up for a free Twitter account at Twitter.com and start following SportsDCS to get reminders and announcements.

Duanesburg is on Facebook! "Like us"

Duanesburg Central Schools is now a member of Facebook. "Like us" to get up to the minute posts about what is happening in our schools, view photos and more! Just go to www. facebook.com/duanesburgschools