Batavia City School District

City school board members have set the date for district residents to vote on a capital project that officials say is about bolstering more so than expanding. Voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on the $45 million plan on Dec. 14.

During a series of votes Monday related to the capital project, from authorizing the district to borrow the necessary amount for the work to set a calendar for voter registration, the school board moved the capital project forward with architect Clark Patterson Lee in the audience. 

Board members didn’t comment on the project, however, Superintendent Jason Smith had previously said that the scope of work focused on shoring up existing facilities and properties, some of which are 20 years old, including the high school’s boiler system and roof, and the gym at Robert Morris. 

All of the schools have many of the same upgrades, including PA/clock and fire alarm replacements, phone system replacement, blue light notification system, information technology infrastructure improvements, and pavement replacement for Jackson, John Kennedy, and the middle and high schools.

Jackson is also in line for building-mounted lighting and the replacement of a failing retaining wall on the east side between the school and its neighbors. John Kennedy would also get a new roof, an upgraded gym divider curtain, and regraded softball field, and other amenities.

Batavia Middle School is in store for a gender-neutral restroom, staff restroom, foundation repairs around the entire building, and a glass safety railing for the auditorium balcony are some of those repairs and upgrades. 

A building conditions survey prompted the glass railing because people sitting on the balcony could also be a potential safety concern, Smith and former Business Administrator Scott Rozanski had previously said. 

The middle school softball field is to receive some improvements and a backstop replacement while Batavia High School is on tap for a new roof, plus two synthetic turf fields — a baseball and softball field each, for about $7 million of the total cost. 

The breakdown of funding is as follows, with the cost to taxpayers to be no additional tax dollars, officials said. 

Press Release:

On Monday, September 18, upon recommendation from Superintendent Jason Smith, the Batavia City School District Board of Education approved the appointment of Ryan Winchip as Director of Health, Physical Education & Athletics, effective October 19, 2023.

 Winchip most recently served as the Warsaw Central School Middle and High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. He also served as the Coordinator of Physical Education, Health, Athletics, and Dean of Students at the Pembroke Central School District. He began his career as a teacher, obtaining K-12 physical education and health teaching experience in New York and North Carolina. 

He has extensive coaching experience throughout his career, having led teams from the modified to varsity levels since 2013. In 2015, he was awarded two “Coach of the Year” accolades in North Carolina. 

Winchip has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Coaching from St. Bonaventure University. His advanced degrees include a Masters in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education and a Certificate of Administration & Study from Broome Community College.

"We're thrilled to welcome Ryan as our new Director of Health, Physical Education & Athletics. He brings an exceptional blend of expertise and enthusiasm that will invigorate our programs. With a strong commitment to both athletic excellence and holistic well-being, we're certain Ryan will help elevate the experience of our students in significant ways. Thank you to our staff, parents, and students who participated in the interview process. Welcome to the Blue Devils, Ryan!” Said Superintendent of Schools Jason Smith.   

“I am extremely excited to be joining the Batavia Blue Devils family as the new Director of Health, Physical Education & Athletics,” said Ryan Winchip. “I have always admired Batavia's program, and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to join in the district’s tradition of excellence. I hope to build upon all the great things that Mr. Mike Bromley has put in place over his illustrious career. Moving forward, I can't wait to immerse myself into the role and get to know all the amazing members of the BCSD community.”

Batavia Middle School Physical Education teacher Brennan Briggs will continue to serve as the BCSD Athletics Program Assistant.

Press Release:

The Batavia City School District is proud to announce it is one of at least 165 school districts and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York State to receive the Utica National Insurance Group's "School Safety Excellence Award" for 2023 at the Titanium with Honors level. 

The honor is presented annually and recognizes school districts' safety efforts as they work to help keep students, staff, and visitors safe. Batavia City School District officials received a certificate to commemorate the district's safety efforts and a $500 award for use in furthering those efforts from Utica National representatives. 

Utica National's School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels—titanium, platinum, and gold—in which schools can earn a meritorious distinction by meeting specific criteria to enhance overall safety. 

Through the program, schools with their own transportation, schools with contract transportation, and BOCES are evaluated. Categories covered include bullying prevention programs, playground safety, and other areas, and are measured using specific, quantifiable surveys. 

“We’re proud and encouraged to receive this award from Utica National,” said Batavia City School District Superintendent Jason Smith. “The health, safety, and security of our students, faculty, staff, and community is our top priority. We’re consistently evaluating our programs, and this award will certainly go towards our continued efforts.” 

"Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts," explained Brian Saville, Senior Vice President of Utica National's Educational Institutions Unit. "Districts that go 'above and beyond' to provide a safe, healthy, and focused culture for learning are to be applauded, and we're pleased to count Batavia City School District among them."

For more than 45 years, Utica National Insurance Group has kept kids and school staff safe and currently insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York alone. 

The Easter Bunny made an early visit Friday to children at Robert Morris School in Batavia as part of his busy holiday rounds throughout the area. He posed, chatted with, and got hugs from the kids, and saw the creative crafts that the youngsters made, during their afternoon time together. 

Photos submitted by Batavia City School District.

Press Release:

At a meeting on Monday, the Batavia City School District’s Board of Education unanimously approved an amendment to extend Superintendent Jason Smith’s contract through June 2027.

“After a stellar first year leading the Batavia City School District, the Board of Education is thrilled to offer Superintendent Jason Smith a contract extension that will keep him in our District through June 2027, with the option to extend,” said Board of Education President John Marucci. “Consistency, goal setting, long-term planning, and execution are key components to any successful school district, and we’re proud of Jason’s commitment to seeing his vision for Batavia through.”

In exchange for Smith’s long-term commitment to serve the Batavia City School District, the Board granted Smith non-salary benefits, including a $3,000 per year stipend increase should he elect not to enroll in the District’s health insurance plan, a $2,000 per year increase of his 403(b) retirement contribution, as well as compensation for unused vacation and sick days, which will only be received upon his retirement from the District.

“Batavia is my home. Having walked our halls from first grade through senior year, our District has always held a special place in my heart,” said Superintendent Jason Smith. “It was the honor of my career to be offered the position of superintendent here, and I look forward to working with our students, staff, and community to achieve our shared vision of success for years to come. I thank the Board of Education for their trust in me, and I’m proud to see everyone in our educational community coming together for the good of our District. It continues to be a personal and professional honor to serve the Batavia community, families, staff, and students.” 

“The Board of Education, along with the BCSD leadership team, have made a commitment to our District’s vision and strategic plan,” said Board of Education Vice President John Reigle. “The high bar that we’ve set for this District can only be achieved through consistent leadership. I applaud my fellow Board members' commitment to this vision in approving Jason’s contract extension.”    

All terms (with the exception of the health insurance opt-out stipend) of Superintendent Jason Smith’s contract amendment will take effect on July 1, 2023. All other terms and conditions of the agreement remain unchanged, including the option for both the Board of Education and Jason Smith to extend the contract on an annual basis beyond June 2027.

Press Release

BATAVIA, NY– The Batavia City School District is proud to announce that all seven of the district’s 2022 spring sports teams were named “Scholar-Athlete Teams” by New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). 

The BCSD Scholar-Athlete Teams included: 

Baseball, with 13 individual scholar-athletes

Boys Golf, with 17 individual scholar-athletes

Boys Lacrosse (merged with Batavia Notre Dame), with 9 individual scholar-athletes

Boys Outdoor Track and Field, with 29 individual scholar-athletes

Boys Tennis, with 15 individual scholar-athletes 

Girls Outdoor Track and Field, with 25 individual scholar-athletes

Girls Softball, with 13 individual scholar-athletes 

“We couldn’t be more proud of the academic achievements of our spring sports teams across the board,” said Batavia City School District Athletic Director Mike Bromley. “We see how much work our athletes put in out on the field, so it comes as no surprise that they bring that same work ethic to the classroom. These are the wins that make me especially proud as an AD. Congrats to all of our athletes!” 

Per the NYSPHSAA website, at the end of each sports season, a team is honored with Scholar-Athlete status if “the team’s average GPA for 75% of the roster is greater than or equal to 90.00.”

This is the 30th year the NYSPHSAA has conducted the Scholar-Athlete program. For Spring 2022, NYSPHSAA recognized 2,762 Scholar-Athlete teams and 41,441 individuals. A total of 568 schools across the state participated in the Scholar-Athlete program. To view the complete list of Scholar-Athlete teams, click here