• May 2025 Liaison Workshop

    Ending the Silence May 15, 2025 - 5:30-7:00pm Join us for the May Family and Community Liaison Workshop 5:00-5:30 Light Dinner and Childcare* Sign-in  5:30-7:00 pm Workshop At Homer HTEC, 80 S. West Rd., Homer, NY Click the button below to pre-register by May 12th for dinner and/or childcare. Walk-ins for workshop only are welcome. Kristopher Bradt, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) volunteer, Doctor of Chiropractic, and owner of Cortland Chiropractic, will lead NAMI's Ending the Silence, a free, evidence-based, one hour presentation for adults with middle or high school aged youth in their lives. Through this program you will learn to recognize the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if a youth in your life begins showing symptoms. The presentation covers warning signs, key facts and statistics, how to talk with the young person, and how to work with school staff about the mental health concerns. You will learn about mental health conditions through a brief presentation, short videos, and personal testimony from a young adult who describes their journey to recovery. Audience members can ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of this often-misunderstood topic. Through dialogue, we can help grow the movement to end stigma. This program is hosted by Homer Central School District's Family and Community Liaison service and offered by NAMI Finger Lakes, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, serving Tompkins and Cortland Counties. This workshop is appropriate for parents, teachers, and other supportive adults. Open to the wider community (NOT limited to Homer School District). *Please note childcare is offered only to Homer Central School District children and families. Please share your thoughts to help inform future topics and resources at upcoming sessions. If you are unable to attend but have ideas or requests for future workshops or other feedback, questions or want more information on the topic, please contact one of the district's Family & Community Liaisons: Amanda Hudson - Elementary - 607-749-1250 x1013 or ahudson@homercentral.org Lisa Matijas - Intermediate - 607-749-4210 x2142 or lmatijas@homercentral.org Susan Williams - Junior High - 607-749-1230 x3175 or snwilliams@homercentral.org Alicia Maroney - High School - 607-749-7246 x4035 or amaroney@homercentral.org   REGISTER for the May Workshop

    Friday, May 02 2025

  • Road closure due to downed power lines

    Dear Homer Scools Community, We have been notified by law enforcement that NYS Route 13, from Youngs Crossing to Tully-Truxton Road in the village of Truxton, is closed due to downed power lines.  We have been given no timeline for the lines to be removed. District busses are not able to pick up students in this effected area of the roadway.  Families are encouraged to drive your children to school when the road is reopened to traffic. Take care and have a great day. Blue Pride! Click Here to Get Involved New to ParentSquare or need help?   Click Here

    Tuesday, Apr 22 2025

  • New Superintendent Announcement

    April 11, 2025 Homer Board of Education Selects Jeffrey Evener as New Superintendent of Schools Following a four-month search process, the Homer Central School District is excited to announce that pending successful contract negotiations, Jeffrey Evener,who currently serves as the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, has been selected as its next Superintendent of Schools. Evener will replace Homer Superintendent Thomas M. Turck, who is retiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Turck is wrapping up a 30-year career in education, most of it in Homer. Before he became the superintendent in July 2018, he served as the  junior high principal for 15 years and the intermediate school principal for four years. Board President Aaron Bouwens said, “Mr. Evener has a proven record at Homer as a knowledgeable, approachable and respected leader. He highlighted Evener's wealth of expertise across several key areas, including communication, curriculum, instruction, assessment, personnel management, labor relations, operations, capital projects and school finance.” Evener is expected to begin his new position on July 1, pending the successful completion of contract negotiations. Mr. Evener shared,  “It’s an honor and a privilege to be selected to serve as the next superintendent for our wonderful district. I would like to thank the Board of Eduction for entrusting me to help lead our district into the future. I’m excited to work alongside our students, staff, families, and community as your next superintendent.”  Evener  takes the helm at Homer with a 23-year career in public education. He has served as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in Homer for the past  three and a half years. Before Homer, he worked six years as the Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Operations for the Auburn Enlarged City School District. He also worked in leadership positions in the Groton and Lansing school districts. His titles have included teacher, director of curriculum, director of athletics, and principal at both the middle and high school levels. Outside of his work in Homer, Evener serves as an adjunct professor at Le Moyne College, where he teaches labor relations to aspiring school administrators. Evener was born and raised in the Cayuga County town of Summerhill and is a graduate of the Groton Central School District. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and Certificate of Advanced Study from SUNY Cortland. A lifelong resident of the greater Cortland area, he has deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to public service. Evener served as mayor of the Village of Groton for six years and completed three terms as a village trustee. His family includes his wife, Beth, a school counselor at Homer High School; two sons who attend Homer schools; and a 3-year-old daughter.  The Homer Board of Education launched a nationwide search for a new superintendent in November 2024 with assistance from Matt Cook, Ed.D., District Superintendent of the Onondaga-Cortland-Madison (OCM) BOCES. The search included a community survey that helped the Board of Education establish priorities for the desired qualities in a candidate. The search also included interviews and meetings among various district stakeholder groups. The community recently had a chance to learn about the final three candidates in a series of public forums. The three finalists were: Evener; Jonna Ball,  Executive Director for Special Education and Grant Development for the Liverpool Central School District ;  and Cazenovia Superintendent Chris DiFulvio. Members of the Board of Education would like to thank everyone in the district and in the Homer community who gave their time and input into this important decision. Blue Pride! Click Here to Get Involved New to ParentSquare or need help?   Click Here

    Friday, Apr 11 2025

  • Meet the Candidates for Homer Central School Superin...

    Meet the Candidates for Homer Central Schools Superintendent Dear Parents and Community Members, We are excited to announce  Meet the Candidate Sessions  for the three finalists for the Homer Central Schools Superintendency. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from each candidate as they respond to two questions posed by the Board of Education. Please note that there will be no time allotted for public questions during these sessions. Session Details: Dates:  March 31, April 1, and April 3 Time:  4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Location:  Homer High School Auditorium Meet the Finalists: Jeff Evener (March 31) Jonna Ball (April 1) Chris DiFulvio (April 3) Candidate bios are available below for your review. We encourage you to attend these sessions and learn more about each finalist. Your presence and engagement are vital as we move forward in selecting the next leader for our schools. We look forward to seeing you there! Sincerely,   Homer Central Schools Board of Education Jeffrey Evener Jeff currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the Homer Central School District, a role he has held for the past three and a half years. Prior to joining Homer, he spent six years as the Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Operations for the Auburn Enlarged City School District. His extensive background in educational leadership includes experience in the Auburn Enlarged City School District, Groton Central School District, and Lansing Central School District. Throughout his 23-year career in public education, Jeff has held various positions, including Teacher, Director of Curriculum, Director of Athletics, and Principal at both the middle and high school levels. He brings a wealth of expertise in leadership, communication, curriculum, instruction, assessment, personnel management, labor relations, operations, capital projects, and school finance. His comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience make him a well-rounded and effective leader. In addition to his administrative roles, Jeff serves as an adjunct professor at LeMoyne College, where he teaches labor relations to aspiring school administrators. Jeff was born and raised in Summerhill, NY, and is a graduate of Groton Central School District. He earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Certificate of Advanced Study from SUNY Cortland. A lifelong resident of the greater Cortland area, he has deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to public service. Jeff has demonstrated his dedication to his community by serving as the Mayor of the Village of Groton for six years, as well as completing three terms as a Village Trustee. His passion for education and leadership is second to his family—his wife, Beth, is a school counselor at Homer High School, and together they are proud parents of Baylor (9), a student at Homer Intermediate, Carter (7), a student at Homer Elementary, and Emma (3). Jonna Ball Jonna Ball is an experienced and visionary leader, driven by a passion for educational equity and excellence. As a candidate for Superintendent of Schools for the Homer Central School District, Jonna brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments, and a strong track record of successfully leading school systems toward academic achievement and community empowerment. With over 18 years in education, Jonna has earned a reputation for being a collaborative and results-driven leader who consistently strives to create opportunities for all students to thrive. Jonna’s educational journey began as a classroom teacher, where she honed her skills in developing engaging lessons, managing diverse classrooms, and fostering positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Her ability to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds, as well as her dedication to understanding the unique needs of each individual learner, quickly earned her respect in the education community. As her career progressed, Jonna transitioned into leadership roles, taking on responsibilities such as school leader at both the elementary and middle levels, and district-level administrator specializing in special education and grant development. In each of these positions, she was able to implement innovative programs and initiatives that improved student performance and addressed systemic challenges within the education system. As an advocate for inclusive and equitable education, Jonna has worked tirelessly to ensure that every student, regardless of their background or circumstance, has access to high-quality education. She believes that education should not only be about academic achievement but also about preparing students to be active, responsible, and empathetic citizens. Throughout her career, Jonna has championed initiatives that focus on social-emotional learning, mental health support, and creating safe and inclusive environments where all students feel seen, heard, and valued. In her leadership roles, Jonna has consistently demonstrated her ability to build strong partnerships with teachers, parents, community organizations, and local stakeholders to improve the educational landscape. She understands the importance of transparency, communication, and accountability in leadership and is committed to fostering a culture of trust and collaboration within the school district. Jonna's leadership style is centered on empowering others, cultivating talent within the organization, and ensuring that all voices are heard when it comes to making decisions that impact students' futures. Jonna is also deeply committed to professional development, both for educators and for herself. She has earned numerous certifications, advanced degrees, and leadership awards throughout her career, demonstrating her dedication to staying at the forefront of educational research and best practices. She believes that great leaders are lifelong learners and is always seeking new ways to improve her leadership capabilities and serve her community better. As a candidate for Superintendent of Schools, Jonna Ball brings a visionary yet practical approach to leading school systems toward greater success. Her emphasis on equity, community engagement, and academic excellence, paired with her extensive experience and proven leadership abilities, make her an ideal candidate for the role of Superintendent of Schools for the Homer Central School District. With a clear vision for the future of education, Jonna is ready to lead schools toward a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. Chris DiFulvio Chris DiFulvio is thankful for the opportunity to be considered for the superintendent role in the Homer Central School District. After graduating from SUNY Oneonta, Chris taught in Arizona and Virginia before returning to his home of Central New York and raising his family in Homer. Having taught, served in various Homer community service organizations, and coached in Homer, the district and community have always meant a lot to him. With his father, daughter, and two grandchildren living in Preble, the chance to return feels even more special. For Chris, this is about an opportunity to serve the community and school he loves while being closer to family. Chris worked as an instructional coach, principal, director and assistant superintendent prior to taking the position as superintendent of schools in Cazenovia. In his current role, Chris has worked alongside an incredible team of educators, staff, and community partners to strengthen student learning, expand access to services, and deepen school-community connections. Together, they implemented a vertically aligned PreK through grade 12 curriculum and adopted the Science of Reading at the elementary level, contributing to students earning the top ELA Regents scores in the region. Cazenovia High School was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the top-ranked high school in the Syracuse metro area and among the top 100 in New York State. On the 2024 AP exams, 77 percent of students scored a 3 or higher, outperforming state and global averages in 10 out of 12 exams. Leveraging his relationships with lawmakers, Chris secured over $375,000 in targeted grants that funded the addition of a kindergarten teacher, resurfacing of the tennis courts, and key facilities upgrades, helping to ease the burden on local taxpayers. The district also expanded access to early education with grant-funded UPK, opening three full-day classrooms. Mental health and school resource officer services were increased through grant partnerships with Madison County. Believing strongly in the power of community, Chris established several community-based committees including Safety, Communication, and Facilities that continue to guide district planning with broad input. Chris implemented Participatory Budgeting in Cazenovia, involving more than 200 stakeholders in last year’s budget process. This approach reflects Chris's commitment to transparency and trust. He is especially proud of the team effort that resulted in a successful capital project and the creation of one of the region’s top athletic complexes. If selected to lead the Homer district, Chris plans to work closely with others, stay open in his communication, and always keep students at the center of his decisions. He values public schools' role in shaping lives and believes strong communities grow stronger when they stand behind their schools. His focus will be on listening to stakeholders while meeting the needs of all students and helping the district move forward while honoring and maintaining what makes it special. Finally, Chris is excited about the possibility of leading Homer Central School District forward and returning to the community he values. Blue Pride! Click Here to Get Involved New to ParentSquare or need help?   Click Here

    Tuesday, Mar 25 2025

  • Homer High School Water Testing

    Dear Homer Schools Community, The Homer Central School District is in the process of completing regularly scheduled testing of its drinking water in accordance with updated, more stringent New York State standards for Lead in Water. We recently completed Lead Testing of School Drinking Water at Homer High School. According to the law, all school districts and BOCES must conduct testing of school potable water sources in occupied buildings. When the law was updated in 2021, testing standards for public schools became some of the strictest in the country. Consequently, districts and BOCES are expecting to find some outlets with levels that require remediation.    Safe and healthy school environments can foster healthy and successful children. To protect public health, the Public Health Law and New York State Health Department (NYS DOH) regulations require that all public schools and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) test lead levels in water from every outlet that is being used, or could potentially be used, for drinking or cooking. If lead is found at any water outlet at levels above 5 parts per billion (ppb), which is equal to 5 micrograms per liter (µg/L), the NYS DOH requires that the school take action to reduce the exposure to lead. The district began its current round of testing in November 2024 and as part of updated state requirements, the district will be sending correspondence to families and community members and posting results  online  each time new test results are received.  Blue Pride! Click Here to Get Involved New to ParentSquare or need help?   Click Here

    Thursday, Feb 13 2025

  • Alternative Transportation Model Due to a Staff Shor...

    Dear Homer Schools Community, In the event that we are not able to run our typical bus routes, we will implement the Alternative Transportation Model . This model consolidates bus routes, requiring fewer runs while ensuring student capacity remains well below the 66-passenger limit.   It is our intent for this model to alleviate the need for a virtual day due to a staff shortage. We will notify families via ParentSquare as soon as we confirm a driver shortage. Later today, families whose children are affected will receive specific details regarding pickup and drop-off times for days when this model is in use.  If you do not receive a communication later today, your child is unaffected by the change.   Please contact our transportation department at 607.749.1221 if you have any questions regarding the Alternative Transportation Model.  We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to maintain safe and reliable transportation for our students.   Blue Pride! Click Here to Get Involved New to ParentSquare or need help?   Click Here

    Wednesday, Feb 05 2025

  • Virtual Learning Day Preparation & Planning

    Dear Homer Schools Community, We are experiencing some staffing absences due to illness that may result in the scheduling of virtual learning days.  Due to staffing shortages in our transportation department, we came dangerously close to not being able to hold school today.  As we prepare for the possibility of a virtual learning day due to staffing shortages, please see the information below: Until further notice, students in grades 3-12 will take home their Chromebooks each night and have access to instructional materials via Google Classroom. Students in Pre K-2 will have packets of work available for at-home learning. If a virtual learning day due to staffing shortages occurs, all practices for all activities will be cancelled as will modified sports.  JV and Varsity games, concerts, plays, etc. will go on as planned. If a virtual learning day is declared for tomorrow (2/4/25), instructional materials will be available at the following times: Grades 6-12: 10:00 a.m. Grades 3-5: 11:00 a.m.   Building principals will provide additional information to families about the specifics surrounding a virtual learning day. I appreciate the challenges that a virtual learning day presents for families and will only schedule one if it is absolutely necessary.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as it relates to these circumstances. Tom Blue Pride! Click Here to Get Involved New to ParentSquare or need help?   Click Here

    Monday, Feb 03 2025

  • Homer Schools Closed Today

    Dear Homer Schools Community, Homer Schools are now closed for today, January 28, 2025.  All evening and afterschool student related activities are cancelled.  The Board of Education meeting will go on as scheduled.   Take care and have a great day. Blue Pride! Click Here to Get Involved New to ParentSquare or need help?   Click Here

    Tuesday, Jan 28 2025