Dear ODY families,
I hope everyone enjoyed time this summer to relax and connect with family and friends, and is now re-energized and ready for the start of a new school year on Wednesday, Sept. 4!
You may have heard that under New York state law, districts will no longer have the option to purchase diesel-fueled buses as of 2027 — and by 2035, all schools must transition fully to zero-emissions vehicles. This is no small feat, especially for small, rural districts like ours.
Our first step in navigating this state mandate was to seek out and apply for financial resources that would allow us to ease into the transition to electric buses in a cost-effective way. We currently have an opportunity to invest in an electric school bus at no cost to district residents through the EPA’s Clean School Bus rebate program.
Our next step is a referendum set for Tuesday, Sept. 24 that will ask ODY residents to consider the purchase of an electric school bus. Your input is vital in determining the best path forward for our school, our students and the environment.
Speaking of transitions, I am happy to share that the Board of Education appointed Mrs. Tucker as principal of ODY. This past year, she served as both Curriculum Coordinator and Assistant Principal. Her commitment to our students and staff, in addition to her knowledge of ODY and familiarity with the community, are truly assets to our district.
We have several new faces joining our team this year. Please join me in welcoming them for what I hope is the start of a long, rewarding career at ODY.
I look forward to the start of another productive school year.
Sincerely,
Brennan Fahey
Superintendent of Schools