• Important Schedule Change: Elementary School Moving ...

    Dear Parents & Guardians, Due to unforeseen condensation issues in our elementary school building, we will be transitioning to half-day schedules on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The excessive moisture has created slippery conditions in hallways and some classrooms, making it unsafe for full-day instruction. We had hoped to get through the next two excessive heat days without adjusting the calendar; however, the worsening afternoon conditions have forced us to make this decision. Dismissal for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be at 11:30 a.m . Please note that Thursday and Friday were already scheduled as half days, and Tuesday and Wednesday have now been adjusted accordingly. A bagged lunch will be provided to elementary students on Tuesday and Wednesday prior to dismissal. The Regents exam schedule at the secondary level will proceed as previously scheduled. The Athletic Awards Ceremony will also proceed as scheduled. We understand the burden this may place on families, particularly with childcare and transportation arrangements, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.  Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

    Monday, Jun 23 2025

  • Hamilton Central School Board of Education – Upcomin...

    The Hamilton Central School Board of Education will hold a Board Workshop on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Dave McKay Board of Education Room/Large Group Instruction (LGI) . While district residents are welcome to attend, please note that there will be no community participation , and the session will not be live streamed , as this is a workshop rather than a special meeting. In addition, the Board of Education will hold its Organizational Meeting and Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 . The Organizational Meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. , followed by the Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Both meetings will take place in the Dave McKay Board of Education Room/LGI at Hamilton Central School .

    Wednesday, Jun 18 2025

  • Mr. Dowsland Announces Retirement at the end of the ...

    Hamilton Superintendent Mr. William Dowsland has announced plans to retire after 30 years in education. He plans to step down from his role at the end of the 2025-26 school year.  Mr. Dowsland has served the Hamilton community for nearly all of his career, initially joining the district as a substitute teacher in 1998 and becoming Superintendent of Schools in 2019. Over the years, he came to view his Hamilton colleagues as his extended family. “I’m a bit lost for words on how rewarding this job and my professional experiences here at HCS have been,” he said. “I love everything about Hamilton. There is no other district I would have rather served for all of these years.” Mr. Dowsland spent 13 years as a Physical Education and Health teacher. Over the years, he moved up to Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics, then Assistant Principal and Principal of the Junior/Senior High School. Throughout that time, he coached the softball team and earned Coach of the Year honors from New York State, the Utica Observer-Dispatch and the Syracuse Post-Standard. Prior to joining Hamilton, he worked for a year as a teacher at Madison-Oneida BOCES and spent six years in professional hockey, working for the New Jersey Devils organization’s American Hockey League affiliate. Points of pride during Mr. Dowsland’s time in Hamilton include: having the district’s budget approved by voters every year; overseeing two successful capital projects; implementing social-emotional learning initiatives; starting a student board member program prior to the recent state mandate; and expanding academic offerings in Advanced Placement, dual credit, foreign language, the arts and CTE programs. He also noted state and national recognitions Hamilton has received over the years for academics, extracurriculars, music, and as one of America’s Healthiest Schools.  “That’s a result of collaborative efforts from our entire team – students, faculty, staff, administrators, the Board, and the overall support we consistently receive from our community,” Mr. Dowsland said. Mr. Dowsland added that those collaborative efforts and ongoing support have been invaluable during his tenure. “I would like to thank the Board of Education for their trust, guidance, and support throughout my tenure. The relationship we’ve built is rare and something I deeply value,” he said. “To our administrators, thank you for your tireless leadership. To our faculty and staff, thank you for your dedication to student success. To our students, your hard work in academics and extracurriculars continues to inspire me. And to our families, your support has meant everything.” Mr. Dowsland and his wife have three sons, all Hamilton Central graduates, and five grandchildren. He plans to spend his retirement enjoying more time with his family.  “We’re excited for Bill and for his well-deserved next chapter after decades of tireless service to others. At every stage of his career, he has led with integrity, care, and a genuine commitment to our students, staff, and community,” Board of Education President Michelle Jacobsen said. “We’re grateful for his time, leadership, and commitment to our district for so many years.”   The Board of Education plans to meet on June 20 to determine the next steps for the district and the Superintendent search process. 

    Monday, Jun 16 2025

  • June Board of Education Meeting

    The Hamilton Central School Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will take place in-person in the Dave McKay Board of Education Room/LGI. District residents are welcome to attend either in-person or virtually. The meeting will be streamed live on our YouTube Channel , and the agenda will be posted online. Residents will have the opportunity to comment during the Community Participation sections.

    Thursday, Jun 05 2025

  • All afterschool and evening activities scheduled for...

    All afterschool and evening activities scheduled for today, May 28th, are canceled. This includes the Sectional Softball game, modified games, practices, and the Inclusivity Committee meeting.

    Wednesday, May 28 2025

  • Reminder: No School Tomorrow — Friday, May 23, 2025

    There will be no school for students or staff tomorrow , Friday, May 23, 2025, as it is a scheduled give-back day. Enjoy the extended Memorial Day weekend! 

    Thursday, May 22 2025

  • Election Results

    HAMILTON  CENTRAL SCHOOL ELECTION RESULTS May 20, 2025  PROPOSITION #1 – Budget Vote Yes: 417 No: 217 PROPOSITION #1: PASSED PROPOSITION #2 – Transportation Yes: 445 No: 187 PROPOSITION #2: PASSED PROPOSITION #3 – Hamilton Public Library  Yes: 478 No: 157 PROPOSITION #3: PASSED Candidate: Michelle Jacobsen Total 497  Candidate: Jennifer Jones Total 485  Michelle Jacobsen and Jennifer Jones are elected to fill the two 3-year terms.

    Wednesday, May 21 2025

  • Budget Vote, Election & Board Meeting

    Hamilton Central School Budget Vote and Election Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: Hamilton Central School Bus Garage Hamilton Central School Regular Board of Education Meeting Date:  Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Time:   6:00 PM Location:  Dave McKay Board of Education Room/Large Group Instruction Room (LGI) To request an absentee or early mail ballot, contact Jodi Shantal, District Clerk, at 315-684-9300 or email jshantal@hamiltoncentral.org .

    Thursday, May 15 2025

  • Employment Opportunities

    Hamilton Central School District 47 West Kendrick Avenue, Hamilton, NY 13346 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES The Hamilton Central School District is accepting applications for the following anticipated full-time, probationary positions, effective September 1, 2025: Secondary Special Education/STEM Teacher   Job Description: We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic Secondary Special Education Teacher with dual certification in a STEM field. Other dual certification areas will also be considered. The ideal candidate will be passionate about inclusive education, supporting diverse learners, and committed to academic excellence. Qualifications: Valid NYS Certification in Special Education K–12 Dual certification in a STEM area preferred Elementary Special Education Teacher  Job Description: The successful candidate will support elementary students with disabilities by developing and implementing IEPs, using data-driven instruction, and collaborating with general education teachers and families. A strong commitment to inclusive education and student growth is essential. Qualifications: NYS Certification in Special Education K–12 OR Both Students with Disabilities (B-2) and Students with Disabilities (1-6) Certifications Elementary Teacher  Job Description: We are seeking an enthusiastic elementary classroom teacher to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment. The candidate will design engaging, standards-aligned lessons and build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Qualifications: NYS Childhood Education K-6 Certification OR Both Early Childhood Educations (B-2) and Childhood Education (1-6) Certifications Band Teacher (Including Marching Band & Jazz Band) Job Description: This role includes directing the concert, marching, and jazz bands for grades 6–12. The successful candidate will organize performances and promote student participation in music festivals, while cultivating a love for music and ensemble performance. Responsibilities: Direct middle and high school concert bands, leads the marching band and jazz band, oversees performances, competitions, and community events, and maintains equipment, uniforms, and music library. Qualifications: NYS Certification in Music Education (or eligibility) Experience in marching and jazz band instruction preferred Strong instrumental music background and leadership skills Apply : Submit your application via the Mohawk Valley Online Application System at www.olasjobs.org/mohawk Deadline : Application materials must be submitted by May 26, 2025 Salary : Based on experience and in accordance with the HTA contract HCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer 5/9/25

    Friday, May 09 2025

  • NYSED Deputy Commissioner Visits HCS

    The Hamilton Central School District was honored to welcome Dr. Jeffrey Matteson, Senior Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Education Department, for a visit on Friday, May 2, 2025. During his time on campus, Dr. Matteson toured school facilities, visited classrooms, and engaged in thoughtful dialogue with district leaders. The visit focused on ongoing educational priorities, including regionalization efforts aimed at increasing collaboration and resource-sharing among neighboring districts. Dr. Matteson also discussed the work of the New York State Blue Ribbon Commission, which is exploring strategies to reimagine education and ensure equitable outcomes for all students across the state. “We are grateful for the opportunity to host Dr. Matteson and share the innovative work happening at HCS,” said Superintendent William Dowsland. “His visit underscores the importance of statewide conversations around educational sustainability and excellence.”

    Monday, May 05 2025