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Members of the Rondout Valley Central School District (RVCSD) community united for an inspiring day on May 2, when the District hosted its fourth annual Special Olympics event on its Kyserike Road campus. With 114 students from all five schools participating, the event was a powerful celebration of courage, determination, and the joy of inclusion.
To kick off the day, representatives from the Accord and Kerhonkson Fire Departments welcomed the student-athletes for their opening ceremony parade. Rondout Valley Intermediate and Junior High School students lined the track to cheer on the participating athletes.
The parade was followed by a number of ceremonious activities, including a special run by torch-carrying Special Olympic athletes. Dubbed the Flame of Hope Run, this symbolic act signified the beginning of the games while representing the spirit of unity. There was also a heartfelt ceremony honoring the memory of Marbletown Elementary student Jaxon Lockwood, which included the presentation of the first annual Jaxon Lockwood Award to a deserving athlete.
The day’s competitive events featured a variety of track and field activities, including foot races, long jumps, and ball tosses. Student-athletes were supported every step of the way by dedicated volunteers from the Rondout Valley Special Education Committee, along with members of the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society.
Every year, the competition is organized by Rondout Valley’s Special Olympics Organizing Committee. Occupational Therapist Paul Scarpati, a dedicated member of the committee, reflected on the impact of the event, saying, "The event continues to be my favorite day of the school year. It brings our entire community together to celebrate these students and their efforts. Beyond the competition events, it's the connections formed—athletes, staff, and families coming together—that make the day truly special. The impact lingers long after the event, inspiring us all to continue organizing and creating these moments of support, inclusion, and competition year after year."
According to Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Meg Braren, the event epitomizes education at its best. “Watching our students compete, smile, and support one another is a powerful reminder of what education is truly about—fostering belonging, recognizing each child’s unique strengths, and building a community where every individual feels seen and valued.” Students, staff, volunteers, and community organizations, she noted, all contributed to the success of the event.
The District, she added, would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all of the donors from the event, which all showed their support for the event through their generous donations to the District.
“RVCSD remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities that bring people together and celebrate student accomplishments,” concluded Braren.
The Rondout Valley Central School District is seeking sealed Proposals from qualified firms to provide Legal Services to the District. The District seeks to engage a law firm that can provide high quality, affordable labor relations legal services.
A formal Request for Proposals (RFP) is available for print below or may be obtained by contacting the District Clerk at 845-687-2400 Ext. 4803. Specific requirements are provided in the RFP.
The Proposer’s qualifications, cost, and compliance with the requirements of the District will be used during the evaluation of the Proposer selection.
The response to this Request for Proposal must be received no later than 2:00 P.M., on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 by the District Clerk or Assistant Superintendent for Business Services of Rondout Valley Central School District.
The District reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, in whole or in part, to waive any and all informalities, and to disregard all non-conforming, non-responsive, or conditional Proposals.
Join us on Tuesday, May 13th at 6:00 PM in the HS Auditorium, as we celebrate the extraordinary dedication of our 2025 Thomas King Distinguished Service Award recipients, retirees, and those receiving tenure this year.
Join us as we recognize the following Thomas King Distinguished Service Award recipients:
🔹Toni Cincotta
🔹Joseph Delessio
🔹Dawn Delamater
🔹Debra Neumann
🔹Diane Bracklow
🔹Kim Gorney
🔹Kathleen Hikade
🔹Dianne Melville
🔹Catherine Turner
🔹Shannon VanNorman
🔹Jackie VanNosdall
We will also be recognizing our dedicated retirees and those receiving tenure this year. Come celebrate the commitment and contributions of these valued members of our Rondout Valley Central School District! All are welcome.
The Board of Education of the Rondout Valley Central School District will hold two public hearings on April 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the District Office.
Please read the entirety of this notice.
There will be two separate public hearings, the first concerning the Extension of Benefits of Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers Tax Exemption, and the second concerning Increased Income Limitations for Senior Tax Exemptions.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 466-1 of the Real Property Tax Law, the Board of Education of the Rondout Valley Central School District will hold a public hearing on April 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at 122 Kyserike Road, Stone Ridge, NY 12484. The purpose of this public hearing is to provide an opportunity for interested parties and citizens to be heard regarding a proposed resolution to extend the benefits of the Volunteer Firefighters and Volunteer Ambulance Workers’ Tax Exemption under Real Property Tax Law Section 466-a previously adopted on November 20, 2024, subject to elective provisions and statutory requirements, to any volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker who provides such volunteer services to a neighboring city, village, town, county, or school district.
The resolution adopting the extension of the benefits of the Volunteer Firefighters and Volunteer Ambulance Workers’ Tax Exemption under Real Property Tax Law Section 466-a on November 20, 2024 is available upon request from the District business office.
Upon the conclusion of this public hearing, the Board of Education intends to vote on this proposed resolution at its public meeting on April 22, 2025. Said hearing may be adjourned from time to time as necessary.
LEGAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 467 of the Real Property Tax Law, the Board of Education of the Rondout Valley Central School District will hold a public hearing on April 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., prevailing time, at 122 Kyserike Road, Stone Ridge, New York 12484. The purpose of this public hearing is to provide an opportunity for interested parties and citizens to be heard regarding a proposed resolution adopting increased income limitations for an exemption of school taxes for qualifying persons age 65 and older, as provided for by Real Property Tax Law § 467. This resolution authorizes increased income limitations for real property taxation exemptions for persons age 65 and older to the extent provided in the following schedule:
SCHEDULE A
ANNUAL INCOME |
PERCENTAGE ASSESSED VALUATION EXEMPTION FROM TAXATION |
Up to and including $34,000 |
50% |
At least $34,001 but less than $35,000 |
45% |
At least $35,000 but less than $36,000 |
40% |
At least $36,000 but less than $37,000 |
35% |
At least $37,000 but less than $37,900 |
30% |
At least $37,900 but less than $38,800 |
25% |
At least $38,800 but less than $39,700 |
20% |
At least $39,700 but less than $40,600 |
15% |
At least $40,600 but less than $41,500 |
10% |
At least $41,500 but less than $42,400 |
5% |
Upon the conclusion of this public hearing, the Board of Education intends to vote on this proposed resolution at its public meeting on April 22, 2025. Said hearing may be adjourned from time to time as necessary.
The Rondout Valley Central School District Board of Education proudly announces the 15th annual Thomas King Distinguished Service Award. This award is aimed to identify and acknowledge the outstanding contributions put forth by our staff and establish a tradition of excellence.
The Distinguished Service Award was created in 2010 by previous Rondout Valley Central Schools Superintendent, Rosario Agostaro. Thomas King, a long time science teacher at the Junior High School, was one of the recipients of the award that very first year. In 2011, Thomas King unexpectedly passed away. Mr. King was well respected by both colleagues and students alike, and his time at Rondout Valley was impactful for so many. Many of his colleagues asked that the award be named after him following his passing.
Nomination forms, along with a supporting letter/essay, must be submitted to the Superintendent's Office by 4:30 PM on Tuesday, April 22. The link below allows you to print an application, and view eligibility information and a list of past recipients.
Petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education of the Rondout Valley Central School District will be available online and at the District Office, Kyserike Road, Accord, beginning on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Completed petitions, with the signatures of twenty five (25) qualified District voters, must be filed with the Clerk of the District not later that 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025. The term of office is for three (3) years. The following vacancies, expiring on June 30, 2025, are to be filled: term of Christine Kelder, term of Alan Roberts, and the term of Dawn Van Kleeck.
Candidates for the Board of Education must be at least 18 years old, qualified voters in the Rondout Valley Central School District and able to read and write. They must have been residents of the District continuously for one year before the election.
Please call District Clerk Debra Barbiani for additional information or if you need this information in another format.
845-687-2400, ext. 4803
The Rondout Valley Central School District Board of Education appointed Thomas Tryon as the District’s new Director of Facilities during a meeting on February 11. Tryon officially assumed his position on March 3.
Tryon comes to Rondout Valley from the Town of New Paltz, where he had served as the Director of Planning, Zoning, and Code Enforcement since 2023.
Overall, Tryon has 18 years of expertise in building construction, fire and life safety compliance, facilities maintenance, and leadership. Prior to his position at the Town of New Paltz, he worked for the Town of Hurley, the City of Kingston, and the Town of Bethlehem.
He also holds a New York State certification as a code enforcement official, demonstrating his in-depth knowledge of building regulations, fire safety, and compliance standards essential for maintaining safe and efficient school facilities.
Tyron is eager to make a positive impact in his new role. “I look forward to utilizing my unique experience and expertise to create a high-quality learning environment that enhances education and community engagement,” he said. “My commitment to ensuring safe, efficient, and well-maintained facilities in support of student learning is my top priority. Go, Ganders!”
Assistant Superintendent of Schools & Operations Lisa Pacht is thrilled to have Tryon aboard. “Thomas is uniquely qualified to ensure the safety and operational efficiency of school facilities, given his experience,” she said. “He comes to us highly recommended, and I am looking forward to working with him as our new Director of Facilities.”
Universal Pre-Kindergarten Lottery Applications are now available for the 25/26 school year!
Applications are available for both the 3-Year-Old and 4-Year-Old Programs! Children must be either 3 or 4 years old by December 1, 2025 and a resident of the Rondout Valley Central School District. Applications can be printed from this webpage or can be picked up at our District Office.
Return all forms to the Rondout Valley Central School District Office by 12:00PM on April 30, 2025.
Lottery will take place via zoom on May 14, 2025.