Fayetteville-Manlius School District Annual Report
2023-2024
The annual report offers a snapshot of the district and showcases the progress it made in the four priority areas of Teaching and Learning, Positive School Environment, Service Learning and Community Partnerships, and Fiscal Capacity and Responsibility.
The following content was included in the original Annual Report 2023-2024 print version.
From the Superintendent
On behalf of the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District, I am pleased to share the district’s 2023-24 Annual Report. This report is intended to give our stakeholders a snapshot of the district and the progress we made in the past school year on the goals and objectives identified in our Strategic Plan.
It was a groundbreaking year, both figuratively and literally, as we launched new initiatives and began capital improvement project work at the high school. Our strategic plan served as our guide in making decisions that align with the four priority areas of teaching and learning; school environment; service learning and community partnerships; and fiscal capacity and responsibility.
Each priority area contains its own goals and initiatives at the district and building level. They provide the framework to keep the district focused as it works to fulfill its mission and vision for the district, which is to inspire students and promote personal success. Some of the goals are intended to be achieved within one school year while others may span over multiple years. At the end of each academic year, our administrative team reviews the district’s progress and updates the plan as necessary. In the pages that follow, we have captured highlights of the strategic plan work that took place during the 2023-24 school year.
Complete our survey to provide us feedback
Our school district is a reflection of the community that it serves and as such, we hope you will give us your feedback. It is important that we hear from you on what the district is doing well and where you feel there is room for improvement so we can continue to update our plan annually to focus on the areas of greatest needs.
To make it easy for you to provide feedback at your convenience, we have created an online survey.
Note: The survey response collection period has passed.
We will continue to follow the path our strategic plan has created for us and look forward to your input, which will help shape the journey for our students and staff as we move forward.
Warmest regards,
Craig J. Tice, Superintendent
2023-24 Budget
In May 2023, Fayetteville-Manlius School District residents voted on a proposed $105 million operating budget for the 2023-24 school year. The approved budget maintained existing student programming and supported the district’s strategic plan. It also earmarked approximately $700,000 to support the district’s mental health services.
Revenue Summary:
Tax Levy: 87%
State Aid: 30%
Other Revenue: 3%
Spending Summary:
Program: 74.7%
Administrative: 8.9%
Capital: 16.4%
Budget Fast Facts
Total
Budget:
$104,966,845
Budget Increase
Compared to 2022-23:
$6,035,915/6.10%
Tax Levy Increase
Compared to 2022-23:
$2,581,570/3.82%
District Profile
Vision Statement
Our vision as a school community is to inspire students and promote personal success.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to build on our commitment to academic excellence with a focus on authentic learning experiences, civic responsibility, and innovative programs. We will accomplish this in an environment that fosters meaningful relationships, honors and affirms the diverse identities and experiences of our students, supports the overall wellness of each student, and promotes continuous improvement in each of the district priority areas: teaching and learning; school environment; service learning and community partnerships; and fiscal capacity and responsibility.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
The Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment where all members feel included, respected, valued, and connected by affirming individual identities, fostering relationships, and recognizing diversity as an asset for teaching and learning.
Priority Areas
Teaching and Learning
- Professional Development
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Creativity and Innovation
- Instructional Technology
Read more about our 2023-24 goals and efforts to support Teaching and Learning.
School Environment
- Inclusion
- Character Education and Citizenship
- Wellness
- Safety and Security
Read more about our 2023-24 goals and efforts to important School Environment.
Service Learning and Community Partnerships
- Global and Local Networking
- Community Service Learning
Read more about our 2023-24 goals and efforts with Service Learning and Community Partnerships.
Fiscal Capacity and Responsibility
- Financial Stewardship and Sustainability
- Sound Budgeting and Business Practices
- Facilities Management and Planning
- Technology Infrastructure and Cybersecurity
Read more about our 2023-24 goals and efforts for Fiscal Capacity and Responsibility.
Our Schools
Full-Time Employees
- 674 Total
- 266 Non-instructional staff
- 408 Instructional staff
- 22 National Board Certified Teachers
- 16 New York State Master Teacher/Teacher Emeriti
Athletics
- 90 Interscholastic Sports Teams
- 1,200 Student-Athletes
2023-24 Accomplishments
- 10 seniors committed to play Division 1 or 2 college sports
- 66% winning percentage
- 4 league championships
- 4 Section III championships
- Girls tennis, girls swimming & diving, boys tennis, girls golf
- 30 of 30 varsity teams earned Scholar-Athlete Teams Honors
- NYSPHSAA School of Distinction Award
Music
37% of students in grades 4-12 are involved in the district’s instrumental music program (band/orchestra).
50% of students receiving awards or recognitions at F-M High School’s annual Awards and Recognition Night are students who are involved with the high school music department.
The Fayetteville-Manlius School District was well represented by students who were selected to the following honor ensembles:
- 22 students accepted or alternates to NYSSMA Conference All-State
- 35 students accepted to NYSSMA Junior High Area All-State
- 80 students accepted to OCMEA Junior High All-County
- 45 students accepted to OCMEA Senior High All-County
- 68 students accepted to NYSSMA Senior High Area All-State
Extracurriculars
Ensembles
More than 25 curricular ensembles, including:
- 3 beginning strings
- 3 high school bands
- 2 high school choirs
- 3 high school orchestras
- 4 grades 6-8 middle school bands
- 2 middle school choirs
- 6 grades 5-8 middle school orchestras
- 2 beginning bands
Extracurricular Groups
There are a number of opportunities for students to be involved in extracurricular musical groups, including the following:
- Jazz bands
- Jazz ensembles
- A cappella groups
- Guitar clubs
- Ukulele clubs
- Chamber orchestras
- Fiddle clubs
- Barbershop
- Swing
- Tri-M Music Honor Society
- High School Musicals
- Middle School Musicals
- Pep band
- Marching band
Board of Education Information: 2023-24
The Fayetteville-Manlius Board of Education is the official policy-making body of the school district. It is responsible for carrying out the laws and regulations pertaining to the education of the community’s children. It adopts school district policy, curriculum and programs of study, approves the hiring of all personnel and establishes the conditions of employment.
In addition, the board has the responsibility of maintaining facilities, establishing an annual budget and setting a tax levy. The school board adopts a proposed operating budget each year at a public meeting. Eligible residents then have the opportunity to vote upon the proposal.
The board includes nine school district residents who are elected by voters to three-year terms in an annual election. Terms are staggered so that three members are elected each year. Board members are not compensated for their work.
The board also includes a non-voting student member who is elected each year by F-M High School students to serve a one-year term. The student, who must be a senior at F-M High School, attends all public meetings and is allowed to participate in all public discussions.
2023-24 Board Membership
- Ann Bersani: Term Expires June 30, 2027
- Jason Catalino: Term Expires June 30, 2026
- Rebecca Cohen: Term Expires June 30, 2026
- Sarah Fitzgerald: Term Expires June 30, 2025
- Cynthia Hefti: Term Expires June 30, 2025
- Marissa Joy Mims: Term Expires June 30, 2027
- Kristen Purcell: Term Expires June 30, 2026
- Daniel Seidberg: Term Expires June 30, 2027
- Daryll Fitch Wheeler: Term Expires June 30, 2025
- Angelina Fang: Student Board Member
Following the passing of board member Sharon Lindars, Kelly Furmarola served as an interim board member from January 2024 through May 2024.
About Us
Fayetteville-Manlius High School
Grades: 9-12 | Enrollment: 1,416
8201 E. Seneca Tpke., Manlius, NY 13104
Eagle Hill Middle School
Grades: 5-8 | Enrollment: 626
4645 Enders Rd., Manlius, NY 13104
Wellwood Middle School
Grades: 5-8 | Enrollment: 652
700 S. Manlius St., Fayetteville, NY 13066
Enders Road Elementary School
Grades: K-4 | Enrollment: 536
4725 Enders Rd., Manlius, NY 13104
Fayetteville Elementary School
Grades: K-4 | Enrollment: 464
704 S. Manlius St., Fayetteville, NY 13066
Mott Road Elementary School
Grades: K-4 | Enrollment: 427
7173 Mott Rd., Fayetteville, NY 13066
Class of 2023 Profile
Fayetteville-Manlius students go on to do great things locally and globally. Below is a “by-the-numbers” look at the district’s most recent graduating classes. Final data for the Class of 2024 will not be available until fall 2024 and will be shared in the 2024-25 Annual Report.
Post Graduation Plans
- 78% Four-year colleges/universities
- 9% Two-year colleges
- 13% Other/Post-Secondary/Work/Military
4-Year Graduation Rate
- 2023: 96%
- 2022: 98%
- 2021: 97%
- 2020: 98%
*These numbers include August graduates.
Number of Graduates
- 2023: 304
- 2022: 326
- 2021: 332
- 2020: 348
Diplomas
Advanced Regents
- Class of 2023: 77%
- Class of 2022: 76%
- Class of 2021: 80%
- Class of 2020: 80%
Regents
- Class of 2023: 23%
- Class of 2022: 24%
- Class of 2021: 18%
- Class of 2020: 17%
Local
- Class of 2023: 0%
- Class of 2022: 0%
- Class of 2021: 1%
- Class of 2020: 3%
Strategic Plan: Goals and 2023-24 Accomplishments
Teaching and Learning
Teaching and learning is innovative, engaging and rigorous so that students become self-directed learners and achieve academic and personal success.
Develop a plan to design and implement personalized learning paths.
- Continuous improvement in teaching and learning focused on personalized learning through the lens of inclusive curriculum and assessment. Students engaged in learning that was meaningful, relevant and accessible to all. Staff continued working to identify academic areas in need of additional support and develop plans to address them in an effort to refine curriculum that is inclusive and personalized.
- F-M partnered with outside organizations such as the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), Micron, Feldmeier Equipment and Onondaga Community College to offer new courses and embed new ways of learning into existing courses.
Identify academic areas in need of additional support and develop plans to address them.
- Fayetteville Elementary School’s teaching assistants (TAs) implemented targeted strategies to increase K-1 students’ phonological awareness. TAs were trained to utilize scientifically researched based reading programs such as Road to the Code and Road to Reading.
Refine curricula to address revised New York State and national learning standards.
- Following the comprehensive literacy review conducted by OCM BOCES that focused on curriculum, instruction and assessment, the district created a committee of classroom teachers, special education teachers, curriculum specialists and administrators to review curricular needs. The district selected two K-6 programs to pilot in the 2024-25 school year: Benchmark Education and HMH Into Reading. Both are aligned with the New York State learning standards for English Language Arts and reflect the latest research within the science of reading, an approach to teaching reading that is based on decades of research and evidence.
Expand opportunities that promote student engagement, educational equity and personalization of instruction.
- For the first time in the district, 33 F-M High School students received the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness distinction on their diploma. The seal is a formal recognition that a student has attained a high level of proficiency in terms of civic knowledge, skills, mindset, and experiences. Students in grades 9-12 can participate in the program and work toward earning credit to obtain the seal. To make the program more accessible to all F-M High School students, most of the credit can be earned in social studies classes. Opportunities to earn credit have also been incorporated into other courses.
- The F-M High School technology program moved into the new high school STEM classrooms, adding a coding and robotics unit to its electronics class, a computer integrated manufacturing unit to its production systems class, and a drone unit to its aerospace and aviation class.
- Grade 2 teachers at Mott Road Elementary School implemented a refined What I Need (WIN) Time for literacy, a designated block of time during the school day in which students receive personalized instruction or partake in enrichment opportunities. Mott Road Elementary School also expanded its after-school clubs to include more diverse opportunities for students to connect with the school community.
Develop curriculum to support the integration of the New York State Computer Science and Digital Fluency learning standards and innovative instructional technology practices.
- The Chromebook Repair Club launched at F-M High School, offering students the opportunity to learn to repair the specific models of Chromebooks the district uses. At the end of the course, students take a technical skills assessment to demonstrate their ability to resolve real-life situations, such as a bad battery, cracked screen or missing wires. Upon successful completion, students earn the Acer Service CRT Certificate, a professional certification.
- All 175 sixth-grade students at Eagle Hill Middle School wrote and produced their own podcasts as part of the NPR Student Podcast Challenge. Staying up-to-date with some of the latest technology in media and communications, students learned how to create, edit and incorporate sound effects into their podcasts using WeVideo, an online video editing platform.
Provide professional learning for teachers in an educational environment of accelerated change.
- At F-M High School, a “Principal’s Week At-a-Glance” was distributed to staff on a weekly basis to reiterate building and educational philosophies along with any changes to instruction.
- Teachers participated in more than 52,000 hours of professional learning collectively (not including district professional development days). Learning opportunities focused on differentiated instruction, continuous improvement and instructional technology.
School Environment
The school environment is safe and secure and students are equipped with the skills to confidently navigate their complex lives.
Conduct a needs assessment (mental health/social emotional/diversity, equity and inclusion) and develop a plan to address the gaps.
- For the second year in a row, the Behavior Intervention Monitoring Assessment System-Second Edition (BIMAS-2) was administered to students in grades K-12. This confidential and voluntary screening tool helps the district’s mental health support team assess student social-emotional wellness, learning, and development, and assists school officials in making effective plans to meet students’ social emotional learning needs.
- As part of the district’s Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Enders Road Elementary School piloted the Brainstorming Educational Strategies Team (BEST) approach. The benefits included a more streamlined, efficient and thorough process to meet student needs utilizing targeted interventions within a data tracking system to monitor progress, and allow for increased teacher voice. There was a significant and positive impact on student academic/social-emotional and behavioral progress. Sixty-three students received personalized, supplemental support through the BEST program.
Formulate a highly functioning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee producing tangible objectives and measures of progress.
- The district’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee separated members into four subcommittees: Welcoming and Affirming Environment, Professional Learning, High Expectations and Rigorous Instruction, and Inclusive Curriculum and Assessment. Each subcommittee has shared recommendations with the district and will continue their work in the 2024-25 school year.
- District officials initiated a partnership with Utica University personnel to begin work on conducting a curriculum equity audit in all content areas.
Advance a districtwide welcoming and affirming environment that values, represents and respects all individuals.
- Through the Academic Enrichment Program at Eagle Hill Middle School, students developed the Sunshine Ambassador club. Members of the club welcomed students and staff to the building every morning with smiles, words of encouragement, and posters that promote positive behavior in an effort to improve school climate and culture.
- F-M High School expanded the definition of success for students through changes in programming and curricular offerings. A bimonthly parent communication was sent via ParentSquare to assist in making students and families aware of academic, social and career opportunities as students transition throughout their high school career.
- Mott Road Elementary School continued its monthly Positivity Project (P2) assemblies. Each unique assembly was based on Other People Mind Set, which consists of five elements intended to help people understand ways to build positive relationships. Students were encouraged to use their positive qualities to improve the lives of others.
Develop collaborative learning spaces and schedules that support student inquiry.
- F-M’s Diversity Coalition hosted a Culture Festival, which included student-run booths, activities, food, and performances that showcased the cultural diversity of the school and community. F-M’s Diversity Coalition strives to create a space for students to express their own identities while learning about others.
- The Mott Road Elementary School holiday assembly included songs from several cultures and “Evenings of the Arts” was expanded to include an art show, music concert, and open house.
Provide social-emotional learning and counseling and mental health services to support the development of the whole child.
- The district welcomed three student engagement specialists to help support elementary students’ social, behavioral and mental well-being. Each elementary school has one student engagement specialist who works with the school’s student support team to supplement existing mental health services. They identify and provide support to students with emotional or behavioral challenges, as well as assist with implementing targeted interventions and focus on collaborative problem solving, in-class support, and de-escalation.
- Drop-in mental health services were established at F-M High School and Eagle Hill and Wellwood middle schools. Two licensed social workers from Contact Community Services helped to offer students social and emotional support, and improve access to substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery services.
- F-M High School’s mental health coordinator and Contact Community Services social worker implemented small group, classroom, and building-wide mental health awareness activities. These activities were in addition to the support provided by the school’s counselors, psychologist, and family school liaison.
Monitor board-approved recommendations from the district Safety and Security Task Force.
- Approved by voters in May 2023, the district put forth a capital project proposal that addressed critical aging infrastructure needs and safety and security upgrades at every school building. Work is expected to begin in summer 2025 and will include the following safety and security enhancements: lighting upgrades, public address system upgrades, security camera upgrades, and keycard access upgrades.
- The district maintained its School Information and Resource Officer (SIRO) and Special Patrol Officer (SPO) program, which includes three SIROs and four SPOs so that each school campus has at least one assigned officer. Of the seven officers working with the district, the district’s SIROs are active duty Town of Manlius police officers assigned to serve the school district, and the four special patrol officers are peace officers hired by the town to serve the district.
Service Learning and Community Partnerships
Educational opportunities extend beyond the classroom to enrich learning, develop student awareness of the global community and promote intellectual and civic engagement.
Participate in Tri-State Consortium and AASA Learning 2025 National Collaborative to network with state and national educators and remain current with future-focused educational practices.
- The district began work to address recommendations from Tri-State Consortium to grow and advance F-M’s instructional technology and its use of technology to facilitate and enhance teaching and learning. As part of this work, a Tri-State Consortium Committee, comprised of F-M administrators, teachers, library media specialists and instructional technology staff, was developed. The committee has worked collaboratively with the district’s Technology Committee to develop an action plan and assist the district with aligning and integrating technology into all classrooms, reaching a broad range of learners, and enhancing professional learning opportunities related to instructional technology.
Develop student service learning opportunities and community partnerships that extend classroom learning and support personal and social growth.
- F-M High School students joined volunteers at Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build and assemble bunk beds for families in the greater Syracuse area. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a non-profit organization dedicated to building, assembling and delivering beds to children in need. The students assisted in building 45 beds.
- Wellwood Middle School students helped create more than 100 ornaments to donate to the VA hospital in Syracuse. Using material donated by the Wellwood HSA, Wellwood technology teachers engraved the ornaments with the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Veteran USA logos. The students sanded the ornaments to be donated to those who have served our country.
- Approximately 60 F-M High School students teamed up with Friends Forever Animal Rescue to design and build equipment to be used at the rescue. The project included a puppy feeding divider to accommodate up to 10 puppies, a birthing/nesting box for a dog and her litter, and two rolling carts to assist rescue volunteers. Students also made custom laser engraved signs with the Friends Forever logo for each item.
- F-M High School art students partnered with the Village of Manlius to design and provide new artwork throughout the village. Students will continue to collaborate with local professionals, including historians and biologists, to inform residents about the history of Manlius through their art work.
- F-M High School once again hosted a Dance Marathon to benefit Camp Good Days and Special Times, a not-for-profit organization that offers weeklong summer camping sessions, weekend adult retreats, and year-round programs for families who have been impacted by cancer and other life challenges. This year, the students raised over $100,000.
- Mott Road Elementary School hosted several fundraisers. In December, students collected food to donate to the F-M Food Pantry for local families. In the spring, students introduced a community-wide Book Swap. No purchase was needed to participate in the Book Swap, as any student was able to select a “new to you” book. Also in the spring, students hosted a coin collection ahead of Dance Marathon to help raise funds for Camp Good Days.
Fiscal Capacity and Responsibility
The district’s annual operating budget supports educational excellence and quality facilities while being sensitive to the taxpayers of the district.
Maintain a strong financial position through the optimization of state aid and other revenues along with utilizing cost-effective business practices.
- The financial position of the district improved with additional revenue from New York State in the form of Foundation Aid and BOCES Aid. The district has historically maintained a fiscally responsible approach with these types of additional funds by planning ahead and saving incrementally for the future. This approach is used to mitigate the financial impact on the district’s annual operating budget when major, non-recurring or unforeseen expenditures occur. Reserve funds can also reduce the future impact on taxpayers and protect staffing levels, programs and services for F-M students in case of economic downturns or reductions in state aid funding.
- The district has consistently maintained a strong AA stable bond rating, which means the district is considered financially sound. A strong credit rating will enable the district to receive lower interest rates on future financial borrowing, ultimately saving the district and taxpayers money.
Complete capital improvement projects on time and within budget to improve learning spaces, building infrastructure, building security and accessibility.
- Construction at F-M High School began as part of the $52 million capital project, which was approved by voters in December 2021. The primary focus of the project is to modernize and expand the school to meet contemporary teaching and learning needs. Work that was completed includes: turf field and track surface replacement, science, technology, engineering and math
(STEM) wing addition, main office renovation, asbestos abatement, demolition of the bridge connecting House 1 and House 2, HVAC replacement and mechanical system upgrades. - Building upgrades to enhance security measures at Enders Road Elementary School and improve ventilation at Fayetteville Elementary School were completed as part of a $1.5 million capital transfer project. A new “storefront” security entrance was added at Enders, which included new keycard access locks, additional doors and windows, and restricted public access to the center courtyard of the building. At FayEl, the ventilation system was upgraded, including the installation of an air conditioning system.
Monitor the long-range facilities plan to ensure that district facilities are responsive to contemporary teaching and learning needs and support a productive, safe and secure work environment for all students and employees.
- The district’s long-range facilities plan, reviewed by the board’s facilities committee, helps to set the course for improvements over subsequent years. The long-range plan is primarily based on the results of the most recent Building Condition Survey, which was conducted in 2023, along with requests and needs provided by district administrators and building level leaders. The identified projects include improving heating and ventilation systems, replacing roofing, enhancing security, addressing programmatic needs, updating fire alarm and emergency communications systems, and other needs. The district’s long-range plan will also need to include electric buses and related infrastructure upgrades in response to the New York State mandate that all school bus purchases be electric starting July 1, 2027, and all diesel-fueled school buses be replaced with electric buses by July 1, 2035.
Maintain district technology infrastructure, including privacy and cybersecurity protection systems.
- To improve network quality and reliability, the district began upgrading telecommunication connections from legacy copper to fiber optic cabling. The district also began upgrading the wireless and networking infrastructure at Eagle Hill and Wellwood middle schools to ensure network reliability for students and staff.
Planning for Our Future
Expanding, improving and unifying F-M High School.
The print version of this Annual Report was produced in cooperation with Capital Region BOCES Engagement & Development Services.