BKW Community,
With great pride and gratitude, I share what so many of us already know—there is truly no greater place to work and learn than here at BKW. Our remarkable students, dedicated and compassionate staff, and supportive families together create an exceptional environment where academic and personal growth flourish.
Once again, our district has demonstrated academic excellence, underscored by the strength of our programs and the unwavering support of our community. During the 2023–2024 school year, our students in grades 3–8 achieved some of the highest math and English Language Arts test scores in New York State, ranking 38th and 71st, respectively, among all districts. This year, at the high school level, every winter sports team was honored as a scholar-athlete team—a distinction awarded when 75% of a team maintains an average GPA of 90% or higher.
Beyond the classroom, our students continue to shine in athletics. Last June, our Girls Varsity Softball team claimed the Class C New York State Championship. Arlan Wright earned the title of NYS Pentathlon Champion, while Kayden Carkner took home the NYS Trap Shooting Championship. The momentum continued into the fall, with our Modified Cross-Country team winning the Western Athletic Conference Championship and our Modified Helderberg Valley Football team completing an undefeated season. This winter, our BKW Cheerleaders won the Section 2 Championship, and our Boys Basketball team made history, capturing the Class C State Title—their first in 46 years.
Our students’ achievements extend to the arts and civic engagement as well. The spring musical captivated audiences with stellar performances from the entire cast. Dinea Rose was recognized as WMHT’s Classical Student Musician of the Month, a tremendous honor. Our FFA chapter not only excelled in competitions at the sub-state and state levels but also made meaningful contributions through numerous community service projects that enriched our school culture.
Looking ahead, the proposed 2025–2026 budget reflects a reduction of over one million dollars in expenditures compared to the current year. In listening to community feedback about last year’s budget, I felt it was important to have our spending reflect the needs of our current enrollment and the current state of state funding of rural schools. This fiscally responsible plan has been developed with great care, identifying operational efficiencies wherever possible despite an unprecedented rise in operational costs and an unpredictable funding landscape at the state and federal levels. To illustrate this, over the past decade, the rise in the tax levy equated to about .56% yearly. Meanwhile, the nationwide inflation rate stood at an average of 2.65% yearly. While we have been very careful to reduce the operational budget this year, we need the community’s support to continue to deliver the excellent programming that our students have come to know. Student successes this year are largely the result of the community support of the past several years. Should the budget be defeated yet again, further cuts would ultimately impact student programming.
On Tuesday, May 20th, voters will also be asked to consider a proposition to purchase three 72-passenger diesel buses, as well as to establish capital and transportation reserves. These reserves, which require voter renewal every ten years, are essential tools for managing long-term expenses and protecting the tax levy from future spikes.
I remain profoundly grateful for your continued support of our learning community. I encourage you to make your voice heard by participating in the budget vote on Tuesday, May 20th.
With appreciation,
Bonnie Kane
Superintendent of Schools