Owego Free Academy

OA School Community,

🗳️ BUDGET VOTE REMINDER: The 2026-2027 School Budget Vote is tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM!

The digital Budget Newsletter is live now ➡️ https://aptg.co/ZFPztl, and a printed version has arrived by mail.

📊 Quick Fact on the Tax Levy: You might notice a 17.10% increase on paper, but this is just a mandatory accounting shift because the Stagecoach Pipeline agreement moved to the regular tax roll. The actual tax levy increase for residents is 0%. There is no new spending decision causing this change, and it will have an approximate 0% impact on your tax bill.

What's on the ballot?

A $63,567,555 proposed budget supporting UPK-12 programs.

Proposition 2: A bus bond for 5 new safe, modern diesel buses.

BOE Election: 3 open seats (Candidates: Michael Aubel, Joseph Palladino, Jessica Silvanic).

📍 Where to Vote (12 PM - 8 PM):

OACSD District Office

Apalachin Elementary School

Locations based on residency. Bring a photo ID if not registered.

Get all the details, visual breakdowns, and voter info here: www.oacsd.org/page/school-budget-information. Your vote matters. See you at the polls!

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students!

Behind the Scenes: Health Sciences Pathway UHS Event

“It’s a really great experience. It allows me to get the feel of what it’s like if I want to do it in the future.” UHS professionals share their insight with students on the different aspects of their job in this Health Sciences Pathway Event. Learn more about what the students got to experience here on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/RZ454mSEi4o

OACSD would like to recognize the #OFAClassOf2026! Show your love & support by sharing & liking these posts. This spotlight shines on Stella Palladino.

If you’ve missed any of our spotlights, the complete OFA Class of 2026 collection is updated daily here:https://photos.app.goo.gl/RSeTUm1SEF7p9N337.

OFA 2026 Seniors can submit their spotlight information here: https://forms.gle/5FBCExnt5fPJn1uC7.

#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #ClassOf2026 #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA

OACSD would like to recognize the #OFAClassOf2026! Show your love & support by sharing & liking these posts. This spotlight shines on Vincent Kneller.

If you’ve missed any of our spotlights, the complete OFA Class of 2026 collection is updated daily here:https://photos.app.goo.gl/RSeTUm1SEF7p9N337.

OFA 2026 Seniors can submit their spotlight information here: https://forms.gle/5FBCExnt5fPJn1uC7.

#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #ClassOf2026 #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA

Safety never stops! 🚌 Tuesday, May 12th, our bus garage was packed with 25–30 technicians from school districts all over the Southern Tier for the Head Mechanics Association meeting and training.

Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Matthews Buses Inc., mechanics received free, official certification in Air Disc and Foundation Drum Brakes. Big thanks to Point Spring and Driveshaft Co. for presenting and keeping our teams up to date on the latest technology.

Whether it’s a rookie learning the ropes or a veteran getting a refresher, our local mechanics are always working to keep our kids safe on the road! 🔧

#OARiverHawks #CommunityPartners #SouthernTierMechanics

OA Update: What’s Happening In Our Community - Check out these great programs, events, and more.

OES Green Team - Fill That Truck Recycling Event: 5/16/26 - https://aptg.co/GqkGGt

Children’s Home - Foster Care and Adoption Info: 5/20/26 - https://aptg.co/y-pl4t

Camp Ahwaga 5k - Registration: 5/23/26 - https://aptg.co/Fm8P73

TOI - Mental Health First Aid: 5/27/26 - https://aptg.co/JMQpJq

Tioga Opportunities - Trivia Night: 5/29/26 - https://aptg.co/G4lsBB

OA District Art Show - Artistic Intelligence: 6/1/26 - https://aptg.co/nbck5b

OA Youth Fun Run - Registration: 6/1/26 - https://aptg.co/c1Kq1n

Good News Club - Registration: 6/1/26 - https://aptg.co/Rn4h4c

Apalachin Library - Pokemon Club: 6/6/26 - https://aptg.co/37Cjrg

Waterman - Explore Camp: 6/8/26 - https://aptg.co/3lS0_z

Waterman - Rec Camp: 6/8/26 - https://aptg.co/JtnKJV

The Dance Station - Toddler Dance: 6/15/26 - https://aptg.co/rcJg3P

The Dance Station - Intermediate/Advanced Dance: 6/15/26 - https://aptg.co/pjYX1g

OA Football Club - Registration: 6/20/26 - https://aptg.co/L91FNJ

The Dance Station - Beginner Dance: 6/22/26 - https://aptg.co/QY_N-P

Apalachin Library - Stuffy Town Adventure: 6/25/26 -

The Dance Station - Adult Classes: 6/29/26 - https://aptg.co/QdVHCq

WIC Income Guidelines 25-26: 6/30/26 - https://aptg.co/phv7kz

BU - Microelectronics Camp: 7/13/26 - https://aptg.co/gyV0QF

OA Youth Field Hockey - Registration: 8/15/26

TIO - Basic Computer Classes: 10/23/26 - https://aptg.co/MfLKq6

Food Bank Of The Southern Tier - Food Assistance - https://aptg.co/GJ2mm_

Food Bank Of The Southern Tier - Food Assistance - https://aptg.co/1zD4KS

Animal Care Sanctuary - Shelter Buddies Reading Program - https://aptg.co/rcYXXX

Find more Community Fliers here: https://www.oacsd.org/documents/community-fliers/237411.

If you are involved in an organization that would like to share a flier with the OA school community, please submit it through Let’s Talk! for approval. Select ‘Digital Flier Distribution Submission’ under Communications here - https://www.oacsd.org/page/lets-talk.

#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition

OACSD would like to recognize the #OFAClassOf2026! Show your love & support by sharing & liking these posts. This spotlight shines on Aryanna Kozakowski.

If you’ve missed any of our spotlights, the complete OFA Class of 2026 collection is updated daily here:https://photos.app.goo.gl/RSeTUm1SEF7p9N337.

OFA 2026 Seniors can submit their spotlight information here: https://forms.gle/5FBCExnt5fPJn1uC7.

#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #ClassOf2026 #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA

Owego Apalachin Central School District Superintendent, Dr. Corey Green, spoke about the proposed budget and the upcoming budget vote multiple times this week.

ICYMI: Dr. Green joined Bob Joseph on WNBF radio on Tuesday, May 12th. You can listen to the conversation here (his interview starts at the 40:43 mark of the podcast) - https://wnbf.com/podcast/popup/?id=5ee3865c3774d631675fc0b2&item=0&theme=light&playertype=player

Dr. Green joined Matt Lewis on WEBO radio on Wednesday, May 13th. You can listen to the conversation here - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/myhometowntoday/episodes/WEBO-Morning-Show-Owego-Apalachin-School-Budget-Corey-Green-e3jadnj/a-aclc2n5

2026–2027 Proposed Budget at a Glance
The Board of Education has adopted a $63,567,555 spending plan. This budget is guided by our Blueprint for Excellence and the SOAR initiative, ensuring we maintain and grow student programs from UPK through 12th grade while remaining fiscally responsible. The entire increase shown in the tax levy is fully offset by the taxes Stagecoach Pipeline will pay through the regular tax roll. The tax levy to the rest of the community is 0%.
Proposition 2 (Bus Bond): A $1,085,000 measure to purchase five new diesel school buses to ensure a safe and modern transportation fleet.
Board of Education Election: Three seats are up for election. Candidates include Mr. Michael Aubel, Mr. Joseph Palladino, and Mrs. Jessica Silvanic.
Annual Budget Vote: May 19, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location 1: OACSD District Office (5 Sheldon Guile Blvd, Owego)
Location 2: Apalachin Elementary School (405 Pennsylvania Ave, Apalachin)
Locations are based on residency. Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents of the district for at least 30 days. If not registered to vote, please bring a valid photo ID.

For more details, visual breakdowns of the PILOT transition, and absentee ballot information, please visit www.oacsd.org/page/school-budget-information.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students and schools.

#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA #OACommunity #OAPride

Student Profile: Mason Hill

“It takes me into the next steps of life. I’ll be attending college next year as an Animal Science major at Cornell, from my experience gained here at BOCES.” Mason Hill shares with us some of the valuable lessons he’s gained from taking animal science classes at Owego. Learn more about Mason and what he has planned next in this week’s student profile on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/t79I87hyMds

SUNY Broome Health Studies pathways participants Eleanor Sherman, Izabella Kocsis, Isabella Rogers, and Shirina Harris have been diligently working all year, starting in August. On Friday, May 8th, they had their Pinning Ceremony for their New York State Medical Assistant Certification! We couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments, how they represented OFA, and their continued success as they continue their studies.

This program is just one of the unique opportunities for OFA students only. Students are registered in their Junior year and attend SUNY Broome in their senior year. #OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA

Student Profile: Vincent Kneller

“Hopefully that’ll land me a job in the city making music or working with audio in some capacity.” Vincent Kneller is headed to SUNY Purchase College to study music production. Learn more about him and his journey with music at OFA in this week’s student profile on Showcase Arts TV. https://youtu.be/3NOz5HLtEe4

OACSD would like to recognize the #OFAClassOf2026! Show your love & support by sharing & liking these posts. This spotlight shines on Makenzie Storms.

If you’ve missed any of our spotlights, the complete OFA Class of 2026 collection is updated daily here:https://photos.app.goo.gl/RSeTUm1SEF7p9N337.

OFA 2026 Seniors can submit their spotlight information here: https://forms.gle/5FBCExnt5fPJn1uC7.

#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #ClassOf2026 #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA

OACSD would like to recognize the #OFAClassOf2026! Show your love & support by sharing & liking these posts. This spotlight shines on Isabella Rogers.

If you’ve missed any of our spotlights, the complete OFA Class of 2026 collection is updated daily here:https://photos.app.goo.gl/RSeTUm1SEF7p9N337.

OFA 2026 Seniors can submit their spotlight information here: https://forms.gle/5FBCExnt5fPJn1uC7.

#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #ClassOf2026 #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA

Behind the Scenes: Animal Sciences

“We just get to trim the hooves. It’s not an experience you’d get at any other school. We are very unique with our animals; we also have 14 acres fenced in for our cattle.” Get a behind-the-scenes look at what the animal science students have been working on in class and get to do daily. Learn more here on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/h4jILNuJF4k

OA REMINDER: The Board of Education will hold the official public hearing on the proposed school budget and a regular meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the Board of Education Room in the OA District Office, 5 Sheldon Guile Boulevard, Owego, NY 13827.

The meeting will be streamed on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kBlbQTE4Ec.

School Budget Information is available on our website: https://www.oacsd.org/page/school-budget-information.

Board meeting agendas are posted on Board Docs at www.oacsd.org. We encourage anyone with questions or comments to utilize Let’s Talk! - https://www.oacsd.org/page/lets-talk. Your questions and comments will be addressed by the appropriate district personnel or members of the board of education.

#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #ThisIsOA

💙 Owego Apalachin Central School District: Mental Health Spirit Week! ❤️
From May 11th to 15th, we are coming together for Mental Health Spirit Week.

This year’s theme is: “Stronger Together. You Matter.” Join us in spreading positivity, checking in on one another, and focusing on wellness with these daily themes and challenges:

📅 The Weekly Lineup:
✨ Mantra Monday: Wear a shirt with a positive message or your "You Matter" gear.
Challenge: Talk to one new person today!
🌈 Kindness Colors Tuesday: Wear your brightest colors to spread positivity throughout the halls.
Challenge: Complete one act of kindness.
💚 Wellness Wednesday: Wear Green to show your support for mental health awareness.
Challenge: Ask at least two people how they are truly feeling.
🏃 Take Care Thursday: Get cozy! Wear your most comfortable clothes.
Challenge: Take 30 minutes to walk or exercise.
😁 Feel Good Friday: Wear an outfit that makes you feel confident and at your best.
Challenge: Give someone a genuine compliment.
Important Reminders:
You Matter.
It’s okay to not be okay.
Check in on your friends.
Small acts make a big difference.

#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #MentalHealthAwareness #YouMatter #StrongerTogether #MentalHealthSpiritWeek #ThisIsOA

The 2026-2027 Budget Newsletter is now available digitally, and a printed copy is being mailed and should arrive within the next week.

You can review the newsletter here: https://aptg.co/ZFPztl.

The entire increase shown in the tax levy is fully offset by the taxes Stagecoach Pipeline will pay through the regular tax roll. The tax levy to the rest of the community is 0%. If the Stagecoach Pipeline (formerly CNYOG) Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) was not coming back onto the tax rolls this year, the district’s tax levy would once again be 0% for the fourth time in the last six years. The district’s average tax levy change remains historically low at 0.80% over the past 5 years and 1.14% over the past 10 years.

2026–2027 Proposed Budget at a Glance
The Board of Education has adopted a $63,567,555 spending plan. This budget is guided by our Blueprint for Excellence and the SOAR initiative, ensuring we maintain and grow student programs from UPK through 12th grade while remaining fiscally responsible.

Proposition 2 (Bus Bond): A $1,085,000 measure to purchase five new diesel school buses to ensure a safe and modern transportation fleet.

Board of Education Election: Three seats are up for election. Candidates include Mr. Michael Aubel, Mr. Joseph Palladino, and Mrs. Jessica Silvanic.

Understanding the "Accounting Shift"
For several years, Stagecoach Pipeline has been one of our largest taxpayers under a special agreement called a PILOT. This agreement expired in March 2026. By law, these payments must now move from the "Miscellaneous Revenue" category to the "Property Tax Levy" category.

Because of this mandated shift in how we account for these funds, residents will notice a significant change on the upcoming Property Tax Report Card:

The Appearance: It will look like there is a 17.10% increase in the district’s tax levy.

The Reality: This is strictly a technical accounting change. The "increase" is actually the $3,183,700 payment from Stagecoach Pipeline moving from one category to another. The Tax Levy increase for residents remains at 0%.

This is not a new spending decision. The increase in the levy is fully offset by the increase in the taxable base. In practical terms, residents can expect an impact of approximately 0% on their school tax bills.

Important Voting Information
We encourage all residents to stay informed and participate in the upcoming budget vote.
Public Hearing: May 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM (OA District Office)
Superintendent Green will join Bob Joseph on WNBF on May 12, 2026, at 10:05 am
Superintendent Green will join Matt Lewis on WEBO on May 14, 2026, at 8:00 am

Annual Budget Vote: May 19, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location 1: OACSD District Office (5 Sheldon Guile Blvd, Owego)
Location 2: Apalachin Elementary School (405 Pennsylvania Ave, Apalachin)

Locations are based on residency. Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents of the district for at least 30 days. If not registered to vote, please bring a valid photo ID.

For more details, visual breakdowns of the PILOT transition, and absentee ballot information, please visit www.oacsd.org/page/school-budget-information.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students and schools.

#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition

Athlete Tip with Joseph Gaurnier: Discus Throwing

“I like to go in the top groves of each finger; I have a blood blister from where I release.” Joseph Gaurnier demonstrates how to hold a discus in proper form and release. Learn more about his event, watch here on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/-rKl4RlBQFM

OACSD would like to recognize the #OFAClassOf2026! Show your love & support by sharing & liking these posts. This spotlight shines on Tyler Manuel.

OFA 2026 Seniors can submit their spotlight information here: https://forms.gle/5FBCExnt5fPJn1uC7.

#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #ClassOf2026 #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA