Community Update: 02-06-2026
Good afternoon,
I hope this message finds you well. Below you will find several updates regarding the school budget, athletic accomplishments, and upcoming NCS events.
Several weeks ago, Governor Hochul shared with school districts initial budget runs, including Foundation Aid projections for the 26-27 school year. As has been the case in past years, the aid formula for Naples (along with most WFL districts) has in essence remained flat. To be specific, Naples is expected to receive a 1% increase ($55,000) in Foundation Aid should the budget remain unchanged. At the same time, health insurance premiums have risen 15-20% and utility costs continue to soar. We also strive to be competitive with wages and contractual agreements in order to support those who support our students each and every day.
Given these challenges, our district is committed to providing excellent programming for kids while also adjusting to NYS graduation requirements/pathways that will be phased in over the next 3 years. To achieve this, we will need to be thoughtful as to how we can close budget gaps while working to avoid lay-offs or impactful cuts. Through attrition, when sensible based on enrollment and student needs, we can support our financial health. Further, it will be important during future budget years that we continue to think about our work flexibly; shifting NYS standards/workforce needs demand this type of approach. In many ways, we have already begun this transition in a number of areas and this has helped us navigate tight budgets over the past few years. With enrollment across the WFL region decreasing, it will be vitally important to keep focus on the areas of greatest priority, particularly when it comes to students working to attain the NCS mission.
I am grateful that careful and proactive budget planning over the years have placed NCS in a position where we can manage difficult fiscal times. We do not anticipate eliminating any programming for students next year and where feasible we hope to continue growing electives and opportunities. As we go forward, it is imperative that our district be creative in how we deliver programming. Utilizing technology, sharing supports across the WFL region, and maximizing our resources will continue to be part of our budget philosophy. Know that all superintendents across the WFL region continue to advocate with NYS representatives to ensure that aid to our schools is commensurate with current economic times and distributed in a manner that is more equitable across the state. As in previous years, more information regarding the NCS budget will be forthcoming as we move towards the vote in May.
Please mark your calendars as the NCS High School Musical “The Addams Family” will be taking place in March. Tickets will be available soon via the district Facebook page and performance dates are as follows:
Thursday, March 5, 2026 7:00 pm
Friday, March 6, 2026 7:00 pm
Saturday March 7, 2026 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
I’d also like to recognize a number of significant accomplishments (both team and individual) from our winter athletic season thus far:
- The NCS Swim team took 1st place at the Finger Lakes League Championship.
- Sadie Gursslin won the Finger Lakes League Championship, was recognized as a First Team All-Star, and also won the Class D Diving Sectional for the 2nd year in a row!
- Owen Rademacker qualified for states in the 500 and 200 freestyle and has set countless pool and school swimming records throughout the season!
- Our Boys Basketball team has found much success with a 12-2 record as they move towards sectional competition. Our Girls Basketball team, comprised of many underclassmen team has shown tremendous growth and resilience this season.
- Our Boys Bowling team will finish as the 2nd place team in the Finger Lakes West.
- We wish our boys and girls Alpine Ski Team luck as they are both expected to challenge for a sectional title next week.
- Our modified programs have also achieved success this winter along with strong participation numbers.
Congrats to all of our athletes and coaches for their success and sportsmanship thus far during our winter season.
As a reminder, NCS schools will be closed February 16th through February 20th for February Recess.
Have a wonderful weekend and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Kevin Swartz
NCS Superintendent
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