Required Notifications
Asbestos Management Plans Available: As provided under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, ESM has taken the following steps to comply with AHERA and the availability of asbestos management plans: All district-owned facilities were inspected in 1989 for asbestos and management plans were developed for each building according to the requirements of AHERA. The District conducts re-inspections every three years. Onondaga-Cortland-Madison Board of Cooperative Education Services (OCM BOCES) completed the 2022 AHERA Triennial inspection and update of the asbestos management plans. Periodic examination of asbestos containing building materials is conducted every six months. All custodial and maintenance staff receive asbestos training and periodic review. All response actions taken are within federal and state guidelines. Management Plans may be viewed at the District Office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. For more information, please contact the Director of Facilities, at 315-434-3001.
Attendance & Reporting Your Child’s Absences: Good attendance is important. At all grade levels, students are more likely to succeed in academics when they attend school consistently. However, there may be times when your child must be absent. Parents/guardians are asked to call the attendance office at ESM Central High School and Pine Grove Middle School or call the school nurse at the elementary level when a child is absent from school. If no phone call is received, we will contact parents/guardians via our automated calling system (ParentSquare) to verify the child’s absence. State law requires a written note or e-mail to follow the phone call. If a written note/e-mail is not submitted, the absence will be considered unexcused.
Audited Financial Statements: 2020-21: Basic Financial Statements with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the Extra-Classroom Activity Fund 2019-20: Basic Financial Statements with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the Extra-Classroom Activity Fund 2018-19: Basic Financial Statements with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the Extra-Classroom Activity Fund
Bond Resolution Notice (June 22, 2020): Bond resolution notice to finance 8 student transportation vehicles
Budget Transparency Report: (Education Law §3614 School Funding Allocation Report) Districts are required to publish their New York State School Funding Transparency Forms in full, and in Excel format, on their district websites for at least one full calendar year. In addition to the Excel file, is the narrative report (PDF).
Code of Conduct and Dignity Act Highlights: The Board of Education, working with administrators, teachers, parents and students, has approved a Code of Conduct. These expectations, based on a philosophy of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty and integrity are outlined below. The unabridged, full-text Code of Conduct is available in each school’s main office, by contacting the Deputy Superintendent’s Office at 315-434-3006 or on this website.
Behavior-Related Offenses and Consequences – Students: The Code of Conduct is intended to focus on safety and respect for the rights of others. Students who do not accept this responsibility are subject to disciplinary consequences. As a general rule, discipline will be progressive or increase in severity as the behavior increases in seriousness.
Visitors to the School and Public Conduct: Visitors must sign in and report to the main office upon arrival at a school building. If a visitor is judged by the administration not to have an appropriate reason for the visit, the visitor will be asked to leave. No smoking or drinking alcohol is allowed on district property. Violence and direct/implied threats of violence are prohibited and should be reported immediately to school officials.
Dignity for All Students Act: The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), effective July 1, 2012, is integrated with the Code of Conduct and contains similar requirements for maintaining a positive learning environment for all students. Also included are provisions for reporting and intervening in cases of discrimination, harassment or bullying. Any related complaints should be brought to the attention of the building principal, who is designated as the Dignity Act Coordinator to assist in implementation of the DASA. Cheryl West, Coordinator for Youth Development and Leadership provides district coordination of the DASA.
Complaint Form: Use this form for complaints including incidents of alleged discriminating or harassing conduct. Complaint form.
Electronic Report Cards: ESM uses electronic progress reports and report cards available on a system called Schooltool. Parents and students are able to review and, if they choose, print a copy of the progress report or report card. When the reports are available, the district sends out e-mail notifications. Parents who would still like a paper copy sent home can call their school to make the request. Please note that Schooltool users must have a valid e-mail address on file with the District to log-in. To submit your e-mail address, please contact parentportal@esmschools.org for assistance. For further information, a user guide is available online. It describes how to log-in for the first time, obtain a password, and how to navigate the site. Using the SPP, students and parents can e-mail teachers, check grades and state test scores, view attendance, review contact information and more.
ESSER ARP Federal Grant Spending Plan (ESM/Final July 1, 2022): Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund American Rescue Plan (ARP) Federal Grant Spending plan
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act gives parents (or legal guardians) of students under 18, or students who are 18 and older, several rights. One is the right to inspect, review, challenge and/or amend official school-related student records, files and data relating to that student. Parents or eligible students may submit a written request to the school that identifies the records they wish to inspect. Other rights include:
- ESM may release directory information without parental or student consent, unless the District is notified in writing. This includes a student’s name, parents’ names, participation in recognized school organizations (including positions held, achievements, athletic records and other matters of public knowledge in the community), height and weight of athletes, dates of attendance, degrees, honors and awards. Directory information can be shared with third parties such as military recruiters and/or institutions of higher education.
- Use of Video/Photographs and Student Work: The District provides the community with news, photos and videos from our schools as well as information about events, activities and achievements. At times we also share student work. ESM provides this information through a variety of mediums including, but not limited to, printed materials (bulletins, newsletters, etc.), the District website and “social media” (Twitter/Facebook, etc.) as well as information shared with the media (TV/radio/newspapers/magazines, etc.) for their use.
- Consent: As part of FERPA, parents/guardians of students under age 18 and students 18 and older may prevent the release of directory information to third parties and/or the use of photos/videos of their child or his/her work. The District must be notified in writing and requests can be indicated on your child’s information verification form, which will be sent home at the beginning of the year. Requests must be received by September of each school year.
- Student privacy (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment): Parents/guardians have rights regarding ESM’s conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes and certain physical exams. This includes the opportunity to opt a child out of participation.
Health Services, Physicals & Prescription Medications
- Administration of Medications: Whenever possible, medication should be given at home. If a medication must be given at school, New York State law mandates the process to follow before any medication, including over the counter medications eg. Tylenol/ibuprofen, can be administered. An “Authorization for Dispensing Medication” form must be completed and may be obtained from any school health office or online.
- Physical examinations are required for students in grades Pre-k, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and those participating in sports. It is recommended children receive the physical from their own physician, but school physicians can perform the exams.
- Meningitis vaccine: NY State requires this vaccine before returning to school for students entering grade 7, 8 and 9 (1 dose) and 12 (booster shot).
- Dental certificates are requested for students in grades Pre-k, K, 2, 4, 7, 10 and all new entrants to the District.
- Student Health Privacy: Parents and guardians are reminded that under FERPA (Family Educational Right to Privacy Act), the school nurse may disclose health alerts involving students to individuals who have a “legitimate educational interest” or that “need to know” the student's health situation.
Non-discrimination Statement: It is the policy of this District to provide, through a positive and effective program, equal opportunities for employment, retention and advancement of all people regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, sex, age, marital status, veteran status or disability. The compliance officer for the District is the Executive Director of Human Resources, 407 Fremont Road, East Syracuse, NY 13057.
- A student’s personally identifiable information (PII) cannot be sold or released by the District/BOCES for any commercial or marketing purposes.
- Parents have the right to inspect and review the complete contents of their child's education record including any student data stored or maintained by the District/BOCES. This right of inspection is consistent with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). In addition to the right of inspection of the educational record, Education Law §2-d provides a specific right for parents to inspect or receive copies of any data in the student’s educational record. NYSED has developed regulations pertaining to this.
- State and federal laws protect the confidentiality of PII, and safeguards associated with industry standards and best practices, including, but not limited to, encryption, firewalls, and password protection, must be in place when data is stored or transferred.
- A complete list of all student data elements collected by the State is available for public review at NYSED's website or parents may obtain a copy of this list by writing to the Office of Information & Reporting Services, New York State Education Department, Room 863 EBA, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234.
- Parents have the right to file complaints with the District/BOCES about possible privacy breaches of student data by the District’s/BOCES’ third-party contractors or their employees, officers, or assignees, or with NYSED. Complaints regarding student data breaches should be directed to Executive Director of Planning, Development & Technology, at 407 Fremont Road, East Syracuse, NY 13057 or 315-434-3008. Complaints to NYSED should be directed in writing to the Chief Privacy Officer, New York State Education Department, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany NY 12234, email to privacy@nysed.gov.
Pesticide Notification: NYS Education Law requires that all persons in parental relations, faculty and staff be notified regarding the potential use of pesticides periodically throughout the year. ESM is required to maintain a list of persons who wish to receive 48-hour prior written notification of certain pesticide applications. The following pesticide applications are not subject to prior notification requirements: application of a non-exempt pesticide when a school remains unoccupied for a continuous 72 hours following the application; anti-microbial products; non-volatile rodenticides and insecticidal baits in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children; silica gels and other nonvolatile ready-to-use pastes, foams, or gels in areas inaccessible to children; boric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate; the application of EPA designated biopesticides; the application of EPA designated exempt materials under 40CFR152.25; and the use of aerosol products with a directed spray in containers of 18 fluid ounces or less when used to protect individuals from an imminent threat from stinging and biting insects including venomous spiders, bees, wasps, and hornets. In the event of an emergency application necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list. If you would like to receive 48-hour notification of pesticide applications that are scheduled to occur in your school, please contact the Director of Facilities at 315-434-3001.
Section 211 Waiver Notification: Please note that the New York State Education Department has approved Mrs. Anne Hogle for temporary employment as an Elementary Teacher at Minoa Elementary School from October 18, 2019 through and including December 3, 2019. Mrs. Hogle has been approved under Section 211 of the Retirement and Social Security Law and Section 80-5.5 of the Commissioner's Regulations. Her per diem rate of compensation for this position is $319.33.
With this waiver, Mrs. Hogle has the right to continue to receive her pension as well as the agreed-upon compensation while employed by the East Syracuse Minoa Central School District for the specified duration of the waiver granted by the New York State Education Department.
Smart Schools Spending Plans: Review proposed or approved spending plans under the "Smart Schools" Bond Act 0f 2014.
Technology Integration and Investment Plan: The ESM Technology Integration and Investment Plan for 2018-2021 was developed by a team of students, parents and staff during 2017-2018. It was approved by the ESM Board of Education in May, 2018.
Testing Transparency: Memo from NYS Education Department regarding Testing Transparency.
Title I Complaint Resolution Procedures:
Introduction: The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires schools that receive federal Title I funding adopt written procedures for resolving complaints filed.
Definition: A “complaint” is a written, signed statement filed by an individual or an organization. It must include: A statement that a school has violated a requirement of federal statute or regulation that applies to Title I. The facts on which the statement is based. Information on any discussions, meetings or correspondence with a school regarding the complaint. Further guidance can be found at: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/accountability/T1/complaintappeals.htm
Complaint Resolution Procedures:
Referral – Complaints should be referred to the: Superintendent of Schools, East Syracuse Minoa Schools, 407 Fremont Rd., East Syracuse NY 13057
Notice to School – The Superintendent will notify the Principal that a complaint has been received. A copy of the complaint will be given to the Principal with directions given for the Principal to respond.
Investigation – After receiving the Principal’s response, the Superintendent will determine whether further investigation is necessary. If necessary, the Superintendent and/or his/her designee may do an onsite investigation at the school.
Opportunity to Present Evidence – The Superintendent may provide for the complainant and the Principal to present evidence.
Report and Recommended Resolution – Once the Superintendent and/or his/her designee has completed the investigation and the taking of evidence, a report will be prepared with a recommendation for resolving the complaint. The report will give the name of the party bringing the complaint, the nature of the complaint, a summary of the investigation, the recommended resolution and the reasons for the recommendation. Copies of the report will be issued to all parties involved. The recommended resolution will become effective upon issuance of the report.
Follow up – The Superintendent will ensure that the resolution of the complaint is implemented.
Time Limit – The period between the Superintendent receiving the complaint and resolution of the complaint shall not exceed thirty (30) calendar days.
Right to Appeal – Either party may appeal the final resolution to the New York State Education Department. Appeals should be addressed as follows: Title I School and Community Services Office, Room 320 EB, NYSED, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234
Complaint Form
Education Law §3614 School Funding Allocation Report Part F - Narrative Description 2020-21
ESSER ARP Federal Grant Spending Plan Final/July 1, 2021
Extra-Classroom Activity Fund 18-19
Extra-Classroom Activity Fund 19-20
Management’s Discussion & Analysis and Basic Financial Statements 19-20
ESSER ARP Federal Grant Spending Plan Final - July 1, 2022
Foundation Aid Increase Investment Plan - Final - June 30, 2023
Management’s Discussion & Analysis and Basic Financial Statements 18-19
