Staff photo / Bob Coupland A group of fourth graders at Lakeview Elementary School share their stories of reading different types of books and related learning activities as part of a 20 book program this school year. The students were among those celebrated for their accomplishments this school year at a community forum Tuesday at the Lakeview High School auditorium. Students in grades K-12 highlighted STEM learning, prep bowl and mock trial programs.

CORTLAND — While Lakeview school officials highlighted the achievements of students and staff this school year, they also discussed future needs of the high school building and plans for new academic programs in various grades as part of “Pathway to Excellence.”

More than 175 people gathered Tuesday at Lakeview High School for the first “State of the Schools” community forum where students showcased such programs as mock trial, prep bowl and reading challenges.

Superintendent Ashley Handrych said the forum was to show the community where the schools are and what is planned in the future. She said the school district has prevailed through difficult times with limited funding and the coronavirus pandemic.

Handrych said a strategic plan compiled by school officials focuses on students’ academic success and well-being, community engagement and fiscal responsibility.

HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING

Robert DeJulio, assistant middle school principal and director of maintenance, said the district’s five-year forecast shows the need for projects to be done at the high school.

“$260,000 a year is spent on the high school. That is electric, gas, boilers and rooftops,” DeJulio said.

He said this summer, the high school will get three new rooftop HVAC units to replace those that are more than 25 years old at $159,000. The high school has 18 rooftop units.

DeJulio said a grant also will provide funds for installing LED lighting at the high school this summer. Also this summer, high school parking lots will be paved.

DeJulio said the bus garage constructed in the 1960s needs to be addressed as newer buses are much bigger and 3 inches taller and will not fit inside the building.

He said a new bus garage will be addressed in 2026. DeJulio said in 2028, the high school track and turf will need to be addressed, as the turf is between 12 and 15 years old. He said replacing the track and turf would be $600,000.

He said in the future, the aging boilers will need to be addressed and new boilers would be $500,000, and the roof is coming to the end of its life, which, if replaced, will be nearly $1 million.

Ryan Pendelton, who has been serving as treasurer since last summer, said the district’s annual budget is $17 million, and it spends $65 per day per student. He said the district has 180 staff members.

He said 75% of the budget is spent on instruction and educating the students and investing in their futures.

Principals and assistant principals from each building highlighted the accomplishments of students and staff.

At the high school, staff was trained on using artificial intelligence as a learning tool to enhance student learning, as students use AI for projects and activities.

At the middle school, seventh and eighth graders will learn about career exploration through a new pathways program that helps map out what courses to take in high school to plan for a specific career and meet specific needs. Students will take an aptitude test to show where their strengths are.

At the elementary school are literacy programs to enhance reading and learning with students taking part in various activities such as reading 20 different types of books per school year.