WVCSD EdTalk & Photo of the Week: April 1, 2026

As New York turns toward the 2027 state budget, the conversation about public education should begin with a simple premise: Financial stability is not a luxury.  When funding systems fluctuate or fall short, districts are not trimming around the edges. They are forced into choices that directly shape student opportunity, including which programs remain, which supports are scaled back, and how consistently schools can meet the needs of the children in front of them.

That is why a 2% minimum increase in Foundation Aid, as proposed by both the Senate and Assembly, matters. It is not about growth for its own sake. It is about keeping pace in a system where costs—especially in special education, transportation, and staffing—continue to rise. Without that floor, even the most fiscally responsible districts begin to slip, slowly but steadily. The Governor’s current proposal of a 1% increase in NYS Foundation aid falls short of that reality.

The same tension is evident in early childhood education. Expanding Universal Pre-K is the right goal, but goals alone do not build classrooms or staff programs. Providing a minimum of $10,000 in state aid per pupil is a meaningful step. Yet this must be paired with practical supports. Districts need transportation funding, realistic implementation timelines, and the capacity to scale responsibly. 

Other pressures receive less attention but carry equally significant consequences. The continued cost shift for residential placements places a disproportionate burden on districts outside New York City. This creates inequities that ripple across communities. Likewise, extending special education services through age 22 reflects a commitment to students. But without sustained funding, that commitment risks becoming another unfunded expectation.

Even initiatives such as the transition to electric school buses require a grounded approach. Districts are asking for commonsense alignment. Infrastructure, supply chains, and full funding must be in place before mandates become deadlines. Otherwise, compliance becomes less about planning and more about improvisation.
These are not abstract policy debates. They shape class sizes, staffing stability, and students' daily experiences. They determine whether districts can act with intention or are left reacting to shifting conditions year after year.

Public education has always been a long game, built on the belief that steady investment yields lasting outcomes. The 2027 New York State budget offers an opportunity to reaffirm that belief—not through rhetoric, but through decisions that reflect the realities districts face.

Strong schools do not happen by chance. They are built through consistency, sustained over time, and strengthened by policies that match ambition with practicality. That is the work ahead. It is work worth getting right.

Here are some highlights from our schools this week:

Park Avenue Elementary School
This week, kindergarten students learned all about spring, including the different things we do during this time of year. Mrs. Dinino shared, “With the help of Mrs. Colgan, our Agricultural Education consultant, students focused on the life cycle of a plant. Each child had the opportunity to plant seeds.  The lesson started with students singing Jo MacDonald Had a Garden, a song about different aspects of a garden.”  Throughout this work, kindergarteners learned what plants need to grow and about the animals they may see in a garden. Mrs. Dinino added, “Each student planted their own seeds and are so excited to observe them as they grow!”

Second graders participated in New York Agricultural Literacy Week. Ms. Cecilia Jones, a local Master Gardener and literacy volunteer, came into the classrooms to share the importance of agriculture to our society. She read Seasons on the Farm to our students and discussed the changes that occur on farms throughout the seasons. Mrs. Theologis shared, “Students were excited to make connections between the story and local farms right here in Warwick. Everyone got to create a seasonal wheel with a partner and discuss the changes that occurred on the farm in the story.”

On March 26th, a steady flow of parents and grandparents had the wonderful opportunity to meet the Authors.  More specifically, kindergarten students in Mrs. Canfield’s class positioned themselves in the library to show off cool books they wrote. Some very popular and common themes/titles included My Beach House, I Love Veterans, and My Trip to Disney. Mrs. Canfield rotated from one section of the library to another, beaming with pride. Great job, everyone!

Sanfordville Elementary School
The students in Mrs. Ponesse's PIE 3/4 class celebrated March Madness with a two-part assignment: creative writing and basketball research. For creative writing, students chose prompts such as creating a five-player dream team, playing against a pro star, or inventing a basketball superpower. For research, they gathered facts about the inventor of basketball, the meaning of March Madness, the number of teams in the tournament, the tallest NBA player, and the first basketball hoop.

First graders recently learned about Women's Work in Warwick 100–200 years ago through the Warwick Historical Society’s Traveling Trunks, in honor of Women's History Month. They performed chores from life before appliances, such as washing and ironing clothes and preparing meals. Thank you to the parent volunteers who ran the stations and provided this unique glimpse into the past.

On March 26, fourth graders visited Warwick Valley Middle School. They toured, met future administrators and teachers, and learned about new learning experiences. Staff praised them for their PAWS behavior. We sincerely thank the Middle School for hosting a positive, memorable day for our Sanfordville students.

Warwick Valley Middle School
Warwick Valley Middle School welcomed some of its newest future Wildcats during two of the most exciting days of the school year on Wednesday and Thursday, March 25th and 26th, as 4th-grade students from Park Avenue and Sanfordville Elementary Schools visited for incoming 5th-grade orientation.

Each morning began with an enthusiastic welcome from the Wildcat mascot, the middle school administrative team, and dedicated Wildcat Student Ambassadors. Students enjoyed a lively musical performance by the Honors Symphony Band and Orchestra, including the popular song “Never Had a Friend Like Me” from Aladdin, which set a fun, welcoming tone for the day.

After the performance, administrators gave a presentation about the middle school schedule, navigating classrooms, and taking on more responsibility. They reviewed routines and expectations and highlighted student opportunities. Students asked questions, beginning to imagine themselves as part of the school.

Student Ambassadors led building tours, allowing 4th graders to explore the building, visit classrooms, and ask questions. Ambassadors shared experiences and tips to ease nerves. We look forward to officially welcoming this next group of Wildcats in the fall.

Warwick Valley High School
Warwick Valley High School’s Environmental Club, under the guidance of science teacher 
Mr. Touw, recently hosted its first-ever “Too Good To Toss” event—a student-led clothing swap focused on sustainability, community, and reuse.

Before the event, students collected gently used clothing and jewelry from peers. During lunch, the club set up a “store” for students to browse and select free items. The goal was to reduce waste while providing free clothing in a fun, inclusive way. The club partnered with community member Payton Swenson, who has organized similar events. She mentored students through the planning process and ensured a smooth launch.
The school responded positively. The club collected over 100 items and only 15 remained by day's end, showing the event’s impact and engagement.

Remaining items will go to the Warwick Community Center for another clothing swap. Club members will volunteer at the event, furthering their sustainability efforts. The first “Too Good To Toss” event demonstrates the Environmental Club’s commitment to making a difference at the school and in the community.

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Photo of the Week

The Warwick Wildcat welcomes fourth-grade students from Park Avenue Elementary School at Warwick Valley Middle School on March 25, 2026. The visit began with a musical performance by the WVMS honors orchestra, followed by cheese pizza in the cafeteria. Students then explored the school on guided tours led by middle schoolers serving as Wildcat Ambassadors.