Parentsquare Logo

  • 12/4/2025: CIP Public Hearing Information

    December 4, 2025 Good Morning, Thank you to the many community members who attended the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Public Hearing on Wednesday, December 3. For those unable to attend, we want to share a brief overview of the proposed 2025 Capital Improvement Plan, which will be presented to voters next week. For your convenience, the Public Hearing Presentation slidedeck is also available  here .   The 2025 Capital Improvement Project proposal is based on the 2022 Building Condition Survey, which identified needs across all district buildings, including roofing, building envelope, safety, accessibility, and mechanical systems. Input from staff and user groups also informed the plan’s priorities in the development of the scope of work.  The 2025 CIP proposal focuses on preserving district assets, supporting long-term facilities planning, meeting State Education Department requirements, incorporating stakeholder feedback, and maintaining tax neutrality through the use of State Building Aid and district reserves. The proposal includes two propositions: •  Proposition 1 – District-wide asset preservation at the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. •  Proposition 2 – Upgrades to the High School baseball and softball fields, contingent on the passage of Proposition 1. Financial Overview Proposition 1 – Asset Preservation • Total Cost: $19,290,000 • Local Share (Reserves): $3,895,000   Note: The local share represents funding from existing district reserves — not new taxes. • State Building Aid: At an 84.3% reimbursement rate, the district will receive approximately $16.26 million over 15 years. Propositions 1 & 2 – Asset Preservation + Athletic Field Improvements • Total Combined Cost: $22,840,000 • Local Share (Reserves): $4,725,000   Note: The local share represents funding from existing district reserves — not new taxes. • State Building Aid: At the 84.3% reimbursement rate, the district will receive approximately $19.25 million over 15 years. Our estimates include expected interest costs of financing the project over 15 years. Including these factors provides a complete financial picture and shows how the project is planned using existing district reserves and building aid (over 15 years), rather than through new taxes. Community members may review the full scope of work and presentation materials on the district website . The Capital Improvement Project vote will take place on Tuesday, December 10, 2025, from 3:00–9:00 PM in the High School cafeteria. Wishing you and yours a safe winter season and joyful holidays, E. Bridget Ashton Elizabeth Bridget Ashton Superintendent, Williamson Central School District 4184 Miller Street Williamson, NY 14589

    Thursday, Dec 04 2025

  • 11/25: Happy Thanksgiving to Students, Families, Fac...

    November 25, 2025 As we move into the Thanksgiving break, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to all of you for making the start of this school year such a strong and successful one. Your commitment, enthusiasm, and support have created a positive beginning that sets the tone for the months ahead. I hope the coming days offer you a chance to relax and recharge. May your break be filled with time spent with the people who matter most, activities that bring you joy, and moments that allow you to  take care of yourselves . Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful Thanksgiving! Warm regards, E. Bridget Ashton Elizabeth Bridget Ashton Superintendent, Williamson Central School District 4184 Miller Street Williamson, NY 14589

    Tuesday, Nov 25 2025

  • 11/20/2025: November 2025 District Newsletter

    November 20, 2025 Dear WCS Students, Families, Staff and Community Members: As November unfolds and we approach Thanksgiving, we are grateful for our WCS community and all the ways we come together to support our students. With fall coming to a close and the winter and holiday season ahead, we look forward to celebrating student achievements, school traditions, and the connections that make our district so special. The  November 2025 District Newsletter   is packed with updates showcasing the amazing work happening across our district. From the latest on the Capital Improvement Project and academic achievements to upcoming events, leadership announcements, and celebrations, we’re excited to share the dedication, energy, and successes that are shaping a vibrant and inspiring year for our community. Wishing you and yours a joyful Thanksgiving and  safe winter .  Warmest regards, E. Bridget Ashton Elizabeth Bridget Ashton Superintendent, Williamson Central School District 4184 Miller Street Williamson, NY 14589

    Thursday, Nov 20 2025

  • 11/19/2025: Appointment of Director of Student and ...

    November 19, 2025 Good Morning, Following a comprehensive and rigorous hiring process, t he Williamson Central School District is pleased to announce that the Board of Education appointed Nancy Miller as the district’s next Director of Student and Family Services at a Special Meeting held at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Mrs. Miller brings over 17 years of experience in education, including the past eight years serving the Williamson community as a Special Education Teacher. As both an educator and a proud resident of Williamson, she is deeply committed to fostering strong, authentic relationships built on trust, respect, and collaboration. Guided by the belief that schools and families thrive when working together, she looks forward to supporting the academic, social, and emotional success of all students. She and her husband, Mike, live in Williamson with their two sons—Jackson, a 6th grader at Williamson Middle School, and Mason, a 4th grader at Williamson Elementary School. Her dual experience as both educator and parent provides her with a unique perspective and a profound appreciation for the dedication, care, and pride that define the Williamson school community. Student and Family Services is an identified priority area for the district. Mrs. Miller is committed to conducting a thorough needs assessment across all areas of her professional responsibility. She aims to bring clarity where needed and develop collaborative solutions in areas of concern. We are confident that she will contribute significantly to the district’s continuous improvement in this essential domain of our work. Hiring Process The hiring process for this vacancy included an administrative credential review followed by stakeholder committee interviews held on November 12. These interviews included representation from instructional staff, district administration, WFA and CSEA leadership, parents, and members of the Office of Student and Family Services. Committee feedback and confidence ratings directly informed the selection of finalists for interviews with the Superintendent. Following the finalist interviews on November 14, Mrs. Miller emerged as the candidate whose skills, dispositional qualities and experience best aligned with the needs of the district and the vision for the Office of Student and Family Services. Onboarding Mrs. Miller will officially begin her role on Thursday, November 20. She will spend several days engaged in a structured transition process, shadowing Rachel Liberatore to ensure continuity of services and a smooth handoff of responsibilities for students, families, staff, and community partners. Ms. Taylor, our Middle School Principal, is already strategically developing a plan to backfill the vacancy created by Mrs. Miller’s appointment, ensuring that teaching and learning at the Middle School continue without interruption. Families of impacted students may anticipate additional communications from Ms. Taylor. In Gratitude We extend our sincere appreciation and warm congratulations to Rachel Liberatore as she steps into a new role within the Wayne-Finger Lakes region. We are grateful for her dedicated service, leadership, and partnership, and we wish her continued success in this next chapter of her career. We also extend our gratitude to the staff members, parents, and stakeholders who participated in this thoughtful and collaborative selection process. Your insight and commitment to the success of our district played a critical role. Thank you in advance for joining me in hearty welcome to  Nancy Miller as the newest member of our Williamson Central School District leadership team. Have a great day! E. Bridget Ashton Elizabeth Bridget Ashton Superintendent of Schools Williamson Central School District 4184 Miller Street Williamson, NY 14589

    Wednesday, Nov 19 2025

  • New Director of Facilities – William Bennett

    Good Morning, I am pleased to announce the appointment of William Bennett as our new Director of Facilities, effective November 12th. The selection process began with a pool of 17 qualified candidates. After an extensive vetting process, 10 candidates were invited to participate in stakeholder committee interviews. Following a review of stakeholder feedback and confidence ratings, five finalists advanced to the final round of interviews with the Superintendent. Mr. Bennett emerged as the successful candidate and brings with him a wealth of experience in facilities management and school operations. He served as the Director of Facilities at Gates Chili Central School District for four years and previously as the Assistant Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds at Spencerport Central School District for seven years. In accepting the position, William shared, “I would like to thank the district for this opportunity, and I am looking forward to working with the Williamson team.” Please join us in welcoming William to the Williamson Central School District. We are excited for the experience, leadership, and dedication he will bring to our schools and community. Welcome to Williamson, Mr. Bennett! Penny Johnston Business Administrator

    Thursday, Nov 06 2025

  • REMINDER: “Digital Dangers” Community Watch – Novemb...

    November 5, 2025 Dear WCS Community, The Williamson Central School District, in collaboration with SRO Deputy Wilson, is pleased to invite school administrators, educators, parents/guardians, and community stakeholders to a specia l in-person viewing event. We are one of 50+ schools across WNY that are gathering to watch experts from the FBI’s Buffalo office discuss our children’s online safety and its real-world consequences.  Please note this presentation is NOT intended for children . The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will be discussing topics in terminology that is age-appropriate for  adults , NOT children. Digital Dangers: When Online Chats Turn into Manipulation or Violence Against Our Youth Presented by: FBI Buffalo District Coordinators: Superintendent Ashton, in partnership with SRO Deputy Wilson Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2025 Time : 6:00 - 8:00 Participants requested to arrive at 5:45. Location: HS Auditorium Format: One-night-only online simulcast Share Watch Parameters, as Outlined by FBI Buffalo: The content of this presentation includes frank discussions about sensitive topics and is geared toward parents, guardians and adults only. I t is not intended for young children . We are prohibited from sharing the presentation link. Interested participants must join the in person watch group. This is a one-night-only event.  The presentation will not be recorded, and slides will not be distributed afterward.  Participants may not record or take pictures of the presentation. The FBI plans to take questions at the end of the presentation. Participants will be provided a note sheet upon arrival to jot down questions for possible submission to our FBI presenters. Our tech support will drop questions into the chat feature of the presentation platform. We hope you will join us in this important initiative to safeguard our students and strengthen community awareness. Have a great day! E. Bridget Ashton Elizabeth Bridget Ashton Superintendent of Schools Williamson Central School District 4184 Miller Street Williamson, NY 14589

    Wednesday, Nov 05 2025

  • 10/29/2025: Inclement Weather Reminder, Admin Postin...

    October 29, 2025 Dear Williamson CSD Community, I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the beautiful fall season here in Williamson. Huge shout out to our athletic teams participating in Sectionals right now!  As we move through this busy and productive time of year, I want to take a moment to share several important updates and opportunities that reflect our district’s continued commitment to safety, partnership, and student well-being. In this communication, you’ll find information about five key topics: Inclement Weather and School Closings Williamson CSD Begins the Search for Our Next Director of Student & Family Services Williamson CSD Launches the Williamson Intervention Team (WIT) to Strengthen School Safety REMINDER: “Digital Dangers” Watch Event – November 6, 2025 Portrait of a Graduate ABBREVIATED VERSION 1. Inclement Weather & Closings Student and staff safety comes first. We monitor weather, roads, and building conditions closely. Closure or delay decisions are made by 6:00 AM and shared via ParentSquare, the WCS website/social media, and local news stations (13, 10, 8, Spectrum). 2. Director of Student & Family Services Search Rachel Liberatore will leave WCS on Nov. 30 to join Lyons CSD—congratulations, Rachel! We’re launching a search for her successor (new title: Director of Student & Family Services). If you’d like to serve on the stakeholder interview committee (Nov. 12), email bashton@williamsoncentral.org by Nov. 5, 3 PM. 3. School Safety: Williamson Intervention Team (WIT) WCS has launched WIT, a partnership between school staff and county agencies to identify and respond to potential threats before they escalate. Confidentiality is protected, and the goal is prevention and student well-being. 4. Community Event: “Digital Dangers” Watch Night – Nov. 6 Join us Nov. 6, 6–8 PM, HS Auditorium for a one-night-only viewing of FBI Buffalo’s “Digital Dangers.” For adults only—no children, no recording, and attendance must be in person. 5. NYS Portrait of a Graduate NYS has adopted the Portrait of a Graduate, redefining what it means to be ready for life after high school. ✅ No immediate changes to graduation requirements. ✅ Full implementation begins with students entering 9th grade in 2029–30. Focus areas: Academic readiness, critical thinking, communication, creativity, global citizenship, and future focus. FULL VERSION Subject 1: Inclement Weather and School Closings Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff.  Deciding whether to close schools due to snow or other severe weather involves careful consideration of several factors: Weather Conditions: We closely monitor forecasts and weather reports, especially regarding snow accumulation, freezing temperatures, and wind conditions. Road Safety: Our district collaborates with the municipality highway department to assess road conditions and ensure that buses can safely transport students on both main roads and less-traveled routes. Building Safety: We evaluate whether our school buildings will be safe and accessible, considering potential snow accumulation and other weather-related challenges. Transportation: We consider the ability of our transportation system to operate safely, taking into account road conditions, bus routes, and the safety of bus drivers and students. Timing: Decisions about school closures or delays are typically made early in the morning (usually no later than 6:00 AM) to give families enough time to execute contingency plans for their children. We will always strive to communicate as early as possible. In the event of a weather related delay or closure, faculty, staff and families will receive a notification via our school’s communication system - ParentSquare email, text message, and phone calls, AND WCS district website/social media. The district will additionally report delays or closings to Channel 13, Channel 10, Channel 8 and Spectrum News.   Subject 2: Williamson CSD Launches Search for Next Director of Student & Family Services This morning, our Assistant Superintendent of Student and Family Services - Rachel Liberatore - informed the district that she intends to resign her position as Assistant Superintendent of Student and Family Services, effective November 30, to pursue a new opportunity with the Lyons Central School District. Please join me in wishing Rachel the very best as she continues her professional journey! Thinking and Planning Ahead: The district will proceed to fill this vacancy in a timely manner to ensure continuity of services and minimal disruption to programming and operations.  The position previously titled Assistant Superintendent of Student and Family Services will now be titled Director of Student and Family Services. This change more accurately reflects the structure and scope of the role while maintaining the same level of commitment and support for our students, families, and staff. There is no change to responsibilities or focus areas—the work of promoting student success, wellness, and family engagement continues to be at the heart of this position. The tentative timeline and logistics for the hiring process of this anticipated vacancy is as follows below. POSTING:   October 29 - November 9  VETTING OF CANDIDATES:   November 9, 2025 Objective: Admin vet the entirety of the candidate pool to identify highly qualified candidates for screening interviews.  STAKEHOLDER SEMIFINALIST COMMITTEE INTERVIEWS:  November 12  Stakeholder Invitees: Instructional staff - 3 requested (rep from each building) WFA Leadership - 1 requested CSEA Leadership - 1 requested Office of Student and Family Services Support Staff - 1+ requested Parents - 2 to 4 requested Students - 2 to 4 requested Operational Supervisors - 1 requested, as feasible to participate Building and District Administration - 4 to 6 requested Objective: Stakeholder committee groups interview semifinalist candidates to identify finalists for interview with superintendent.   Committee Interview Structure: 60+ minutes including interview Q & A + presentation Process for Feedback: Following the committee interview process, each committee member will complete a feedback document and provide electronic confidence rating scales to the superintendent.  Feedback and confidence rating scales utilized to identify and move candidates on to finalist interviews with the superintendent. FINALIST INTERVIEWS : November 14  Objective: Secure next Director of Student and Family Services for BOE appointment  Interview Structure: Conversation/interview with Superintendent. INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE:  As outlined above, I hope to have broad representation in the stakeholder interview committees. Participation is voluntary and will require participant availability on November 12 to interview candidates. Exact dates/times are yet to be determined and will be based on the number of highly qualified candidates identified to participate in the interviews.  If you are interested in serving on this interview committee, please email me directly at bashton@williamsoncentral.org by 3:00 PM on Wednesday, November 5 .  Respective operational and instructional leaders will support identified participants to coordinate coverage for interested individuals. In the event that participation interest exceeds requested number of stakeholders from each area, I will work with respective operational and instructional leaders to identify and confirm participants. Thank you for your anticipated participation and support of this important hire for the district.  Subject 3: Williamson CSD Launches Williamson Intervention Team (WIT) to Strengthen School Safety School safety remains at the core of our mission. Every child who walks through our doors each morning is someone’s most important person—and it is our shared responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being. To strengthen this commitment, Williamson Central School District has established the Williamson Intervention Team (WIT). WIT is designed to identify, assess, and respond to potential threats of targeted violence within the school community through a multidisciplinary, prevention-focused, and restorative approach. WIT is modeled after the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) approach, aligns with the FBI’s guidance in Making Prevention a Reality, and incorporates the Harm Prevention Threat Management (HPTM) framework. The district has also developed an internal flowchart guiding how potential concerns are assessed and managed. WIT includes district administrators, mental health and counseling staff, and partners from Wayne County—including the Sheriff’s Office, Department of Social Services, Probation, Department of Mental Health, Family Counseling Service of the Finger Lakes, and Wayne Behavioral Health. To enable safe, timely coordination while protecting privacy, all outside partners participate under a nondisclosure agreement. Student confidentiality is preserved. Individual case details are not shared publicly. Only when a situation meets specific, evidence-based criteria will a case be reviewed.  Multiple areas are considered by WIT when deciding to discuss a concern, such as triggers, stressors, and protective factors, health/mental health/substance use, social-emotional and relational indicators, concerning communications, and direct threats to name a few.  Research indicates that individuals often move through discernible behavioral stages from grievance toward planning and execution. Recognizing these phases helps teams intervene before escalation. WIT evaluates the totality of information and considers protective factors, opportunities for support, and timely intervention at every stage. The creation of WIT demonstrates Williamson CSD’s commitment to proactive, evidence-based threat assessment, coordinated response, and preventive safety measures. While we cannot disclose specifics about individual cases, this initiative reflects our dedication to maintaining a safe, supportive, and responsive learning environment for all students and staff. Subject 4:  Invitation: “Digital Dangers” Community Watch – November 6, 2025 The Williamson Central School District, in collaboration with SRO Deputy Wilson, is pleased to invite school administrators, educators, parents/guardians, and community stakeholders  to a special in-person viewing event: Digital Dangers: When Online Chats Turn into Manipulation or Violence Against Our Youth Presented by: FBI Buffalo District Coordinators: Superintendent Ashton in partnership with SRO Deputy Wilson Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2025 Time : 6:00 - 8:00 Participants requested to arrive at 5:45. Location: HS Auditorium Format:  One-night-only online simulcast (viewed together at your school) This event provides an opportunity for our school community to come together and gain insight into the latest digital threats facing our youth. Schools across Western New York are hosting Watch Groups in their facilities, and we encourage you to participate with your students’ families, staff, and other community members. Important Details: The content of this presentation includes frank discussions about sensitive topics and is geared toward parents, guardians and adults only ; it is not intended for young children . We are prohibited from sharing the presentation link. Interested participants must join the in person watch group. This is a one-night-only event and will not be recorded. Subject 5: New York State Adopts Portrait of a Graduate Fr amework Recently, we have fielded a number of questions about the Portrait of a Graduate and impact on our current high school students. For informational purposes, the New York State Board of Regents has officially adopted the  Portrait of a Graduate , a major step in reimagining how students prepare for life beyond high school.  Please note: This adoption does not  change current graduation requirements. What’s Changing:  Over the next several years, New York State will begin transforming its high school graduation measures to better reflect student learning and success. Key elements of this new vision include: Portrait of a Graduate Attributes: Students will demonstrate growth in six essential areas—Academically Prepared, Critical Thinker, Creative Innovator, Effective Communicator, Global Citizen, and Reflective & Future-Focused—all rooted in culturally responsive and sustaining education. Expanded Learning Pathways: Students will have more opportunities to earn credit through projects, performance tasks, and portfolios—not just traditional classroom seat time. Regents Exams Decoupled from Diplomas: Regents exams will continue to be offered, but students will no longer be required to pass them to earn a high school diploma. One Diploma, Many Distinctions: The current multiple-diploma system will be replaced with a single New York State diploma, with options for special seals or endorsements to recognize advanced achievement. When Will This Begin?  These changes will be phased in gradually. The new graduation framework will apply to students entering 9th grade in the 2029–2030 school year (Cohort 2029). The New York State Education Department (NYSED) will share detailed guidance and implementation tools by summer 2027 . As more information becomes available, we will continue to update families and staff to ensure a smooth transition. For more details, you can visit: 🔗 Adoption of the New York State Portrait of a Graduate 🔗 Portrait of a Graduate Resources As always, we are deeply grateful for the continued partnership of our families, staff, and community members. Together, we are creating a learning environment where every student feels safe, supported, and inspired to succeed. REMINDER: If you are interested in serving on the interview committee for the Director of Student & Family Services search, please RSVP to me directly by Wednesday, November 5 to let me know of your interest. #MarauderPROUD , E. Bridget Ashton Elizabeth Bridget Ashton Superintendent of Schools Williamson Central School District 5891 Route 21 PO Box 900 Williamson, NY 14589

    Wednesday, Oct 29 2025

  • 10/24/2025 Invitation: “Digital Dangers” Community W...

    October 24, 2025 Dear WCS Community, The Williamson Central School District, in collaboration with SRO Deputy Wilson, is pleased to invite school administrators, educators, parents/guardians, and community stakeholders to a special in-person viewing event: Digital Dangers: When Online Chats Turn into Manipulation or Violence Against Our Youth Presented by: FBI Buffalo District Coordinators: Superintendent Ashton in partnership with SRO Deputy Wilson Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2025 Time : 6:00 - 8:00 Participants requested to arrive at 5:45. Location: HS Auditorium Format: One-night-only online simulcast (viewed together at your school) This event provides an opportunity for our school community to come together and gain insight into the latest digital threats facing our youth. Schools across Western New York are hosting Watch Groups in their facilities, and we encourage you to participate with your students’ families, staff, and other community members. Important Details: The content of this presentation includes frank discussions about sensitive topics and is geared toward parents, guardians and adults only ; it is not intended for young children . We are prohibited from sharing the presentation link. Interested participants must join the in person watch group. This is a one-night-only event and will not be recorded. We hope you will join us in this important initiative to safeguard our students and strengthen community awareness. Have a wonderful weekend! E. Bridget Ashton Elizabeth Bridget Ashton Superintendent of Schools Williamson Central School District 4184 Miller Street Williamson, NY 14589

    Friday, Oct 24 2025

  • 10/21/2025: Shout out to Principals and the BOE

    October 21, 2025 October is National Principals Month — a time to honor and celebrate the extraordinary leadership of our school principals. Our Elementary, Middle, and High School principals—Dr. Snyder, Ms. Taylor, and Mr. Drechsler—lead their buildings with dedication, vision, and heart. Each day, they engage deeply in advancing our district’s Strategic Plan Essential Objectives, ensuring that our schools are places where students thrive, educators feel supported, and our community is connected. Educational leadership can be one of the most powerful forces in shaping the school experience. “Behind every successful school is a great principal—someone whose leadership directly impacts the lives of students, faculty, staff, and overall student achievement.” Please join me in expressing our sincere gratitude to Dr. Snyder, Ms. Taylor, and Mr. Drechsler for their unwavering commitment and the meaningful difference they make every day. October is also School Board Recognition Month — a time to express heartfelt gratitude to our Board of Education members for their volunteer service, tireless dedication, and relentless advocacy on behalf of our students and the larger Williamson Central community. Our board members devote countless hours to supporting excellence in education and ensuring that every decision centers on what’s best for students. “Strong school board governance creates the conditions where students and educators can thrive. Leadership at the board table shapes the vision for student success.”  Thank you to the WCS Board of Education for their leadership, vision, and commitment to our schools and community! As we recognize and celebrate both our principals and Board of Education members this October, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our entire Williamson community for your partnership and support. It takes all of us—leaders, educators, families, and community members—to create the thriving schools our students deserve. Wishing you all a wonderful fall season! E. Bridget Ashton Elizabeth Bridget Ashton Superintendent, Williamson Central School District 4184 Miller Street Williamson, NY 14589

    Tuesday, Oct 21 2025

  • 10/20: October 2025 District Newsletter Available

    October 20, 2025 Dear WCS Students, Families, Staff and Community Members: As October unfolds, we are filled with gratitude for the WCS community. Hallways are alive with smiling faces, classrooms are buzzing with learning, and our staff and students are making great strides toward growth and achievement. We are thankful for the continued partnership of families, staff, and community members as we work together to support every child’s success. The October 2025 District Newsletter marks the second issue of the new school year and is full of updates that highlight the incredible work already underway across our district. From Capital Improvement Project updates, academic highlights and upcoming events to leadership updates and celebrations, we’re proud to share the energy, dedication, and success that are setting the tone for a vibrant and productive year ahead. As always, thank you for your continued partnership, support, and enthusiasm. Let’s make it a great year for all Marauders — together.   Warmest regards, E. Bridget Ashton Elizabeth Bridget Ashton Superintendent, Williamson Central School District 4184 Miller Street Williamson, NY 14589

    Monday, Oct 20 2025