Unlock the mystery behind a school district's budget and discover the pivotal role you play in shaping the future of education! We sit down with Jenny Bilotta, our formidable business administrator, to scrutinize the proposed $56 million budget of the Olean City School District for the 24-25 academic year. This eye-opening discussion peels back the layers of fiscal decisions, revealing how they align with our district's mission and the impact on our cherished student programs. Jenny meticulously outlines strategic initiatives, including the exciting launch of a computer science curriculum and the expansion of our MTSS initiatives, underscoring our dedication to student achievement and success.

Amidst the numbers and statistics, Jenny addresses the heart of our community—our students and educators. She discusses the reintroduction of special education programs within our own schools, highlighting the personal and academic benefits of familiar environments. The conversation also tackles the ongoing challenges of staffing, the importance of professional development, and our commitment to maintaining safe learning spaces. All this, while ensuring fiscal responsibility with a modest tax levy increase of 1%. Tune in to discover how this budget blueprint stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to educational excellence and the prosperity of our students.

Embark on an educational odyssey with us as Jen Kless, Olean City Schools' Director of Curriculum and Instruction, recounts her compelling transition from a kindergarten classroom to the halls of district leadership. Witness the unveiling of a groundbreaking ELA curriculum, as Jen lays bare the transformative journey from a traditional balanced literacy framework to an innovative approach designed to ensure sustainability, equity, and consistency across our schools. With a vision for equitable literacy education that transcends classroom boundaries, Jen and her dynamic team—comprising educators from varying specialties—have crafted a curriculum that promises to sculpt the future of literacy learning for every student.

Tune in for a deep exploration of the collaborative spirit that's breathing life into our new ELA program at Olean City Schools. The dedication of our team shines through as we eagerly anticipate engaging with our community, inviting feedback, and addressing queries to reinforce the transparent thread woven through this educational endeavor. Join us as we pledge our unwavering commitment to literacy, outlining strategic steps to foster thriving literacy outcomes for our scholars. The Husky Huddle is more than a conversation; it's a commitment to the educational enrichment of our Husky family, and we're excited to have you be a part of this transformative chapter.

Imagine stepping into a school district radiating with pride and a mission-driven team ready to make a difference. That's exactly what Dr. Michael Irizarry, the Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services in the Olean City School District, does every day, and he's here to share the playbook on how to recruit and retain the cream of the crop in education. In our latest Husky Huddle episode, we go behind the scenes of what it takes to create a thriving educational team. Dr. Irizarry, in his inaugural year, has not only woven the district's values into his strategy but also ensured that each new educator is met with unwavering support, much like the mentorship program enhanced by Sarah Morris.

As we celebrate the induction of new Huskies into our pack, we reflect on the exceptional culture that makes our district stand out in a sea of red and gold. Dr. Irizarry's insights, coupled with the vibrant community spirit, underscore the importance of a supportive environment where both educators and students flourish. Joining this episode, he leaves us looking forward to the future with anticipation for continued collaboration and shared successes. So, sit back and listen to how the Olean City School District is not just recruiting teachers but nurturing leaders and innovators for a brighter educational future.