All County Bands Concert Back at CJSHS:
For the first time since 1997, CCMTA presented the
Jr./Sr. High All County Bands Concert held at the Cortland High Auditorium on Wednesday October 29th.
Students from ALL Cortland County schools (Cortland, Homer, McGraw, Marathon, Cincinatus and Cortland Christian Academy) performed under the direction of 2 prestigious guest conductors, Dr. Rob Bridge from Onondaga Community College and Dr. Jennifer Greene from Binghamton University. The students were selected to represent their schools as the most talented young musicians in the county and had been preparing for this special event since last spring.
The concert was presented at no charge and was a truly enjoyable experience for everyone who attended.
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Cortland Staff Members Awarded CPEF Grants to Support Innovative Programs:
Cortland staff members are celebrating after being selected to receive Cortland Permanent Endowment Fund (CPEF) Grants to enhance learning and wellness in their programs. These grants help educators bring creative and meaningful resources to students across the district.
This year’s grant recipients include:
Bridget Dutcher – Whiteboard for classroom instruction
Sharon Phetteplace – Keyboards for student use
Jon Herr – Wind tunnel for hands-on science exploration
Erin Wilson – Trauma-informed books to support student well-being
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Turnback Tuesday Now on YouTube!:
The Cortland Video Club has officially launched its very own
YouTube channel! As part of this exciting new venture, the district will be featuring Turnback Tuesday videos every week on its Facebook page.
Each Tuesday, a video from the past will be shared—highlighting memorable moments from Cortland’s history, including sports games, school plays, concerts, and more. It’s a great way to relive favorite events and celebrate the talent and spirit of Cortland students over the years.
Be sure to follow the district on Facebook and subscribe to the Cortland Video Club YouTube channel to catch every Turnback Tuesday moment!
Check out the Turnback Tuesday for 10/28/25 that features Girls Soccer from 2013! LINK
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Distraction Free Schools Law:
Board of Education approves Distraction Free School policy
At the Board of Education's July 22nd regular meeting the Board unanimously voted to approve Policy #7695 - Student and Personal Electronic Devices. This policy, required by law, is in response to Governor Hochul's proposal and the passage of the statewide bell to bell restriction.
We are underway in our planning for the 2025-2026 school year," reported Bob Edwards, School Superintendent. "Our Principals are actively working on developing our protocols around electronic devices, and we join in cheering on our instructional program that will be more free from distraction this year."
To read Policy #7695, please visit Boarddocs and search for Policy #7695. ...
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Cortland to Launch ParentSquare:
Cortland Schools Launch ParentSquare to Enhance Communication with Families
The Cortland Enlarged City School District is excited to announce the launch of ParentSquare as our new, unified communication platform for families and staff. ParentSquare is an easy-to-use, app-based tool that brings all school communications—classroom updates, school news, announcements, forms, and alerts—into one convenient place. Whether through text, email, push notifications, or direct messaging, ParentSquare allows families to stay informed and connected with their child’s school in real time.
“We are always looking for ways to strengthen our partnership with families,” said Superintendent Robert Edwards. “ParentSquare gives us the ability to communicate ...
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Board of Education Meeting - July 1, 2025:
At tonight's Board of Education Annual Re-organizational meeting the Board will work to elect their new Board of Education President and Vice-President. Additional business will include propositions for appointments, naming an official newspaper, setting rates for annual amounts such as mileage reimbursement, approving the consent agenda, readings of a new student and personal electronic device policy and a maximum temperature policy, the 2025-2026 Code of Conduct, and Leadership Reports. The Board of Education is looking forward to the completion of a few capital projects this summer and the beginning of a couple more.
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2025 Esports Tournament:
On Saturday, June 7th The Cortland eSports team traveled to the
ESSEF x PlayVs Championships at Syracuse University to participate in their first ever Smash Bros. Solos Tournament. We had 7 students invited to compete - more than any other school in the state - representing both the Jr HS and CHS (we were asked to bring George Partigianoni based on his performance this season and EVERYONE was shocked he was in 7th grade. He was the youngest by FAR. And he still finished in the top,15).
The tournament was double elimination and, while our students competed valiantly against some of the best in the state, only one of ours, Greyson Golden, succeeded in making it to the Quarter Finals. But, in the losers bracket, several students would mount a major upset led by Cylan Southwick. Cylan ...
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CPEF Grants for the Fall 2025 School Year:
The CPEF Allocations Committee approved grants totaling $3,334.00 to be used in the Cortland School District for the Fall 2025 school year.
The grants that were approved are as follows:
$70.00 for a whiteboard with grid lines for 9th grade Applied Algebra class.
Grant written by Bridget Dutcher/ supported by Janesa Cornish, Cortland Sr. High School
$836.00 for 2 keyboards with pedals for the new piano class.
Grant written by Sharon Phetteplace/ supported by Janesa Cornish, Cortland Jr/Sr High School
$998.00 for a desktop Wind Tunnel/Robot Head/STEM Electric Power and Upgrade Pack for Makerspace and Tech Dept.
Grant written by Jon Herr/ supported by Kristen Cinquanti, Cortland Jr/Sr High School
$750.00 for a collection of Trauma Informed Books for Randall ...
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Beloved Staff Members Bid Farewell:
The Cortland Enlarged City School District is celebrating the careers of several cherished educators and staff members who are retiring at the end of the 2024–2025 school year. Together, they represent many years of dedication, mentorship, and service to the students, families, and community.
Administrators, fellow educators, students, and families wish the retirees a heartfelt thanks and congratulations.
“It’s hard to say goodbye to colleagues who have been pillars of this district,” said Superintendent Bob Edwards. “They’ve shaped countless lives and built a legacy of excellence, compassion, and commitment.”
Among those retiring are:
Durdica Blazevic
Daniel Camillo ...
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2025 - 2026 Budget Vote:
On Tuesday, June 17th, all District residents are encouraged to vote
from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Information on the Revote can be found on this page:
https://www.cortlandschools.org/teacherpage.cfm?teacher=5439
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Meet the Candidates Event 5/13/25:
Meet the Candidates Event
Kaufman Center
May 13, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Please join us at 6pm on Tuesday, May 13 to meet the candidates at the Kaufman Center.
A video of Meet the Candidates night will be posted on the district website soon afterwards.
On Tuesday, May 20th, all District residents will Vote for three (3) Board of Education candidates. The candidates with the top two votes will fill two full three-year terms commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2028. The candidate with the third highest votes will fill one unexpired term commencing May 21, 2025 and ending June 30, 2027. There will also be three write-in spots on the ballot.
Livestream link to the Meet the Candidates Event; LINK
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School Board Meeting 3/25/25:
Cortland Board of Education convened for its regular business meeting on March 25, 2025, at the Kaufman Center, located at 1 Valley View Dr. The meeting, which began at 6:00 p.m., featured presentations by Superintendent of Schools Bob Edwards and Director of Curriculum and Instruction Katherine Swanson and a Budget Report by Business Administrator Kris Williamson.
Mr. Edwards highlighted district SEL Day that focused on social emotional aspects of the learning journey, the PRISM Concert and a new partnership with the Cortland Youth Bureau and the new Flag Football Program that will be hosted by the district. He reminded the board that the Imagination Celebration will be available to see at the Dowd Gallery through March 27th to April 5th. Mr. Edwards was excited ...
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Cortland Board of Education February 25th Meeting:
The Cortland Board of Education convened for its regular business meeting on February 25, 2025, at the Kaufman Center, located at 1 Valley View Dr. The meeting, which began at 6:00 p.m., featured presentations by Superintendent of Schools Bob Edwards and Business Administrator Kris Williamson.
The meeting started with a moment of silence for Mrs. Nancy Jean Coble Governali, a retired JH Math teacher.
Bob Russell and Betsy Cheetham from the Cortland Public Education Foundation awarded grants to Cortland District programs and schools.
The Board of Education recognized our most recent Tiger Paw Recipients; Kristie Buchalla, Vickie Myers and Stephanie Passeri-Densmore.
Mr. Edwards thanked the Cortland Public Education Foundation, and then shared a presentation highlighting ...
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Cortland High Student's Play Makes Waves at Syracuse Stage Young Playwrights Festival:
Vicky Ramiza, a talented member of Cortland High
Theater, i s celebrating a significant achievement. Her play, "Gambling with Grandma," originally showcased at last year's One Act Play Festival, has been selected as a semi-finalist in the prestigious Syracuse Stage Young Playwrights Festival. Ramiza's script stood out among over 200 submissions from across Central New York, earning her a spot among the top 16 chosen for this honor. One Act Play advisor Susie Carr and The Cortland High Theater community has expressed immense pride in her accomplishment. "I began both writing and theater at an early age," Ramiza shared. "I enjoyed expressing my creativity in these forms and would enjoy writing short stories for school. I've been an avid member of Cortland ...
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Cortland Board of Education February 4th Meeting:
The Cortland Board of Education convened for its regular business meeting on February 4, 2025, at the Kaufman Center, located at 1 Valley View Dr. The meeting, which began at 6:00 p.m., featured presentations by Superintendent of Schools Bob Edwards and Director of Curriculum and Instruction Katherine Swanson and a Budget Report by Business Administrator Kris Williamson.
Mr. Edwards and Ms. Swanson presented a State of the District presentation highlighting achievements of the Lego League and other programs. Mr. Edwards then talked about the Educator Orientation Exhibit held by the Norfolk Naval Station. He talked about the challenges that the Navy has getting educators to fill spots at the Naval Academy and the tour he took of the facility. He also talked about Navy recruiters ...
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Local Students Celebrate Community Spirit Through Creative Partnership with Cortland Public Library:
A heartwarming initiative has emerged from a collaboration between local educators and the Cortland Public Library, highlighting the importance of community engagement among young learners. Mrs. Christina Hegedus and Mrs. Michelle Ryan recently partnered with Tammy Sickmon from the library to create meaningful educational experiences for first and second graders. In November, the trio kicked off festivities for National Picture Book Month, with Tammy leading a program designed to instill a love for reading and storytelling in the young students. This engaging event set the stage for further discussions about community values and history. This month, the focus shifted to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mrs. Ryan guided the students in exploring Dr. King's dedication to community ...
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December 17, 2024 Board of Education Meeting:
Cortland Board of Education met at its regularly scheduled time and learned about newly proposed courses
The Board of Education gathered for its monthly meeting on December 17, 2024, to review key updates and discuss important items impacting the school district. The meeting commenced promptly with a call to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, a recitation of the Board norms, and a moment of silence. After these formalities, the Board moved into an Executive Session to address confidential matters before reconvening in an open session.
In the Open Session Mr. Edwards' presentation reviewed past deadlines regarding activity at the NY State Governor's Office State Education Department regarding changes in regional certification and the Strength and Needs ...
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The Board of Education Appoints a New Board Member at the November Meeting:
The Cortland Board of Education held a regular business meeting on November 26, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Kaufman Center, 1 Valley View Dr.
The Cortland Board of Education convened for its regular business meeting on November 26, 2024, at the Kaufman Center, located at 1 Valley View Dr. The meeting, which began at 6:00 p.m., featured presentations by Superintendent of Schools Bob Edwards and a budget discussion focusing on debt service projections with the goal of minimizing impact to the taxpayers.
Mr. Edwards' presentation began with recent changes to the district phone system which now allows staff members to stay connected wherever they go, staff phone extensions would now “follow” them to whatever office or classroom they are moved to. ...
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Cortland Staff Awarded Tenure:
The Cortland Enlarged City School District proudly announces the awarding of tenure to three esteemed staff members: Judith Darsky, a High School Psychologist; Roy Pratt, a Junior High School English Teacher; and Devon Tennant, Junior High School Social Worker. This significant achievement reflects their dedication to education and commitment to the well-being of their students.
Tenure, a permanent and guaranteed contract in academia, has a rich history dating back to the 1600s. Its primary purpose is to uphold academic freedom, shielding educators and researchers from potential dismissal due to political or social backlash, as well as ensuring that academic pursuits remain focused on the quest for knowledge rather than external opinions. The awarding of tenure signifies a recognition ...
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