Fall Updates from Superintendent Mr. Montgomery

Dear Onondaga Central School District Community,
As the autumn leaves turn and the air grows crisp, we are pleased to share our Fall Newsletter with updates on our district’s academic initiatives, facility improvements, seasonal preparations, and student achievements.

Winter Weather Preparedness & Closing Procedures

As we approach the winter months, we want to outline how decisions regarding school delays and closures are made. Our decision-making process begins early—often around 3:00 a.m.—in direct communication with the Town of Onondaga Highway Department, surrounding superintendents, the OCS Director of Transportation, and the Director of Facilities to thoroughly evaluate road safety and weather conditions. The safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority. When inclement weather requires a delay or closure, updates will be shared through ParentSquare, local media stations, the district website, and official social media channels. We encourage all members of our Tiger community to review and update their ParentSquare notification settings now to ensure timely delivery of weather alerts.

Academic Focus: NY Inspires & Prioritized Standards

On the academic front, New York State has launched NY Inspires, an initiative aimed at raising expectations, expanding opportunity, and prioritizing learning standards across the state. By focusing on essential priority standards, this framework empowers educators to deliver deeper, more meaningful learning experiences that help students build lasting knowledge, connect concepts across subjects, and prepare for future success aligned with the Portrait of a Graduate. District implementation will occur thoughtfully in phases supported by guidance, professional learning, and instructional tools. The release of these standards will follow a phased timeline, beginning with high school commencement-level standards in Winter 2027, followed by K–8 elementary and middle-level standards in Early Summer 2027. The newsletter also contains a summary of the changes reflected in NY Inspires and Portrait of a Graduate. 

Capital Project & Emergency Facility Repairs

Maintaining safe, fully functional facilities for our students and staff remains an ongoing commitment. We are pleased to report the successful completion of two critical emergency repairs: a total replacement of the gas line at the transportation center and a repair of the septic system at the Industrial Arts building. In addition to these completed emergency repairs, our contractors are actively working through the final punch list of items to conclude our ongoing capital project.

Celebrating Fall Athletics & Community Spirit

Finally, as our fall sports season comes to a close, we want to express how proud we are of our student-athletes. Their sportsmanship, resilience, and hard work on the field, court, and course have represented Onondaga Central School District with great distinction. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our families, staff, and community members whose enthusiastic support and attendance energized our teams throughout the season.

Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to keeping our schools safe, strong, and supportive.
Roar On!
Robert S. Montgomery
Superintendent of Schools