WVCSD EdTalk: February 5, 2025

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WVCSD EdTalk: February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

New York State’s mandate requiring all schools to begin purchasing only zero-emission buses by 2027 – and to eliminate traditional buses entirely by 2035 – may sound like progress, but in reality, it is impractical and in need of serious reconsideration by our representatives in Albany. Despite our district’s extensive efforts – working with utilities, transportation providers, and conducting feasibility studies – it has become increasingly clear that this law is flawed and in need of common-sense revisions.

Before any district is required to purchase zero-emission buses, district-specific feasibility studies are essential – and given the mandate, New York State should be responsible for funding them. These studies must assess whether such buses are practical for each district’s unique needs, factoring in geographic disparities, local weather conditions, and battery degradation. We all recognize that Warwick faces challenges that may not exist in smaller or more urban districts.

The state’s plan must include reasonable flexibility. There must be exemptions for routes that feasibility studies determine to be impractical for zero-emission buses. If the state insists on setting a minimum quota of these buses per district, it must also provide financial support to prevent school budgets from being disproportionately burdened. Currently, an electric bus costs roughly $200,000 more than a diesel bus. Adding to the financial strain, our district already receives millions of dollars less in New York State aid than comparably sized districts in our region due to the wealth ratio formula. We may be forced to cut critical programs in other areas to comply with this mandate – something lawmakers appear to have overlooked.

Take it from someone who owns an electric car: independent verification of battery range is crucial. At present, bus manufacturers determine their own range estimates with no impartial oversight, raising serious doubts about whether these buses will perform as advertised under real-world conditions. Will they hold up in winter? Over hilly terrain? I remain highly skeptical about the current advertised ranges – though optimistic that advancements will continue in the future. Independent testing across varied conditions should be a prerequisite before any district is compelled to purchase these buses.

Another major concern: pricing. Manufacturers are well aware of this state mandate, and with the inevitable surge in demand, price gouging is a very real possibility. The state must implement pricing oversight to ensure school districts are not exploited.

Finally, utility infrastructure remains a significant, unresolved issue. Utility companies must be required to provide the necessary power capacity for charging stations at bus lots and garages – without passing the cost onto school districts. Without this support, districts will be left scrambling to cover an expense that should have been planned for from the outset.

Albany’s vision for a greener future may be admirable, but without practical solutions to these glaring issues, this mandate is setting up schools for failure. As Superintendent, I will continue to advocate for these necessary changes with our elected state officials to ensure that our district can meet environmental goals without compromising educational quality or financial stability. Lawmakers need to take a step back and fix what is clearly an incomplete plan.

Here are some highlights from our schools this week:

Park Avenue Elementary School
A group of fourth graders in Mr. Perez’s Chess Club recently welcomed student guests from the Bellvale School. Students from both schools demonstrated intense focus on their moves but also had a lot of fun. Accompanying the friendly yet competitive atmosphere were bagels, courtesy of the Park Avenue PTA, and delicious cookies baked by the families of Bellvale’s students. Thank you to Gabe Perez (Park Avenue), Dwight Young (Bellvale School), and the parents of students from both schools, including the Park Avenue PTA!

Kindergarten STEM students in Mrs. Cangialosi’s class have started their wind and weather unit. During this project, students will act as mechanical engineers, learning about and eventually building a windmill. As a kickoff to the unit, kindergarteners used virtual reality (VR) headsets to explore various windmill scenes. Specifically, they used VR goggles to go inside a windmill and examine its large wooden gears before traveling to an outdoor scene to observe wind turbines that produce energy. Students then represented what they learned through writing and drawing.

Sanfordville Elementary School
Sanfordville held its Pick A Reading Partner (PARP) Kickoff event, welcoming students into hallways decorated to resemble scenes from The Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test. Throughout the morning, each class gathered in the library, where students had the opportunity to visit one of four interactive stations. One station focused on reptiles, as the guardians in the story can transform into animals and various creatures. At the fourth station, students visited a reptile booth, where they could ask questions and even take a class photo with the animals. A big thank you to our library/media specialist, Ms. Cancel, and our amazing PTA for organizing this exciting event!

Art teacher Sunwha Gil had several of her students participate in the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Art and Essay Exhibition. Each year, the New York State Education Department, in partnership with the Office of General Services, honors Dr. King’s legacy by inviting schools to submit student artwork and essays that reflect his teachings. Students contributed original pieces illustrating Dr. King’s Six Principles and Steps of Nonviolence or essays celebrating his birthday.

Chiefs or Eagles? That was the big question in Mr. Haber’s second-grade class as students anticipated the upcoming Super Bowl. Students recorded everyone’s predictions and proudly displayed their findings in the hallway for all to see. It seems they are expecting a three-peat performance from the Chiefs!

Warwick Valley Middle School
History came to life as Mr. Patafio’s seventh-grade Social Studies classes teamed up with The Friends of Hathorn House for an unforgettable day of hands-on learning. Students had the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of people living during the Revolutionary War, participating in an exciting, interactive event that brought history to life in a whole new way.

Dressed in authentic 18th-century attire, local historians led a series of engaging, immersive stations where students experienced what life was really like during the Revolution. At one station, future doctors tried their hand at treating “battlefield wounds,” while another turned students into voters, showing them how elections operated in the late 1700s. Students also explored how maps were used to navigate unfamiliar terrain and plot key locations during military campaigns.

For many students, the day was both educational and exciting. “I can’t believe how much fun I had! It’s one thing to read about history, but it’s way cooler when you actually get to be part of it,” shared one enthusiastic student. But the event was about more than just learning history—it was about teamwork, collaboration, and making connections that extend beyond the classroom.

By working alongside local experts, Mr. Patafio’s students experienced history in a way they never had before. The day was filled with laughter, learning, and hands-on collaboration—a perfect example of how Warwick Valley Middle School makes history fun, relevant, and memorable. This unique learning experience truly embodied the values of our Portrait of a Graduate initiative.

Warwick Valley High School                                                                                              
The Portrait of a Graduate is more than just a vision—it is a defining element of our high school culture. Integrated into academic programs, displayed throughout our building, and embedded in daily instruction, the Portrait of a Graduate represents the essential qualities that shape student success.

Each month, teachers nominate students who exemplify the seven key characteristics of the Portrait of a Graduate. This recognition is not about earning the highest grades or being the top student in a class—it is about the learning process, effort, and personal growth each student demonstrates. Honorees are those who show perseverance, curiosity, and a commitment to improvement, setting an example for their peers through dedication and resilience.

Recognized students are celebrated at a special gathering in the cafeteria, where they are acknowledged among peers and faculty for embodying qualities such as strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and global citizenship. This recognition not only honors individual growth but also reinforces the importance of these values within our school community.

By spotlighting students who embrace the Portrait of a Graduate, Warwick Valley High School continues to foster a culture of excellence, leadership, and integrity—ensuring that graduates leave prepared to navigate their futures with confidence and purpose. 

As we navigate both challenges and opportunities, one thing remains clear: our district is committed to advocating for policies that balance environmental progress with financial and operational realities. While the transition to zero-emission buses is an important goal, it must be implemented thoughtfully, with flexibility, financial support, and common-sense revisions, ensuring that schools are not burdened with unrealistic mandates. I will continue to work with elected officials to push for these necessary changes, ensuring that Warwick Valley and other districts across the state can meet sustainability goals without sacrificing essential programs and services.

At the same time, the remarkable achievements of our students and teachers remind us why we do this work. From STEM explorations in elementary classrooms to historical reenactments in middle school and leadership recognition at the high school level, Warwick Valley continues to cultivate a culture of excellence, curiosity, and innovation.

As we advocate for smarter policies, we remain focused on what truly matters—creating the best possible learning environment for our students. Thank you to our dedicated educators, staff, families, and community members who make this possible each and every day.

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