With the 2026-2027 budget season upon us, we want to provide opportunities for the entire school community to stay informed, not only about the school budget, but also about the significant change in our district’s tax base as the Stagecoach Pipeline & Storage Company LLC (formerly CNYOG) Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) agreement has expired.
As information about the budget is reported and shared across various platforms, we encourage the school community to review information shared directly by the school district and reach out with any questions. You will receive several direct mailings, including the Budget Newsletter, over the next few weeks.
Residents will notice a unique figure on this year’s Property Tax Report Card: an apparent 17.10% increase in the district’s tax levy. It is important to note that this is strictly an accounting change, not a tax increase.
The Change: By law, Stagecoach Pipeline has moved from "Miscellaneous Revenue" to the regular property tax rolls, just like any local homeowner.
The Impact: The $3,183,700 payment is now categorized under the "Tax Levy."
The Reality: Because this $3.18 million increase in the levy is fully offset by Stagecoach now paying regular property taxes, there is no new tax burden on the community. Review the following information from Tioga County Real Property Tax Services:
Understanding PILOT's and School District Tax Levies - https://aptg.co/P5y6t5
PILOT's & Your Property Taxes Graphic - https://aptg.co/MZ6lHP
Understanding Property Taxes in Tioga County - https://aptg.co/grvD9f
Budget At A Glance:
Proposed 2026-2027 annual budget: $63,567,555.
Bus Bond Proposition for 5 new diesel school buses.
Board of Education Election for 3 open seats.
Upcoming Budget Calendar & Deadlines
We invite you to join us for our upcoming public hearing:
May 11th: School Budget Public Hearing - OA District Office: 6 pm
Livestream - https://www.youtube.com/live/7kBlbQTE4Ec
Voting Information
Budget Vote & BOE Election: May 19, 2026 (Noon – 8:00 PM)
Locations: Apalachin Elementary or OACSD District Office (based on residency).
Eligibility: Must be 18+, a U.S. citizen, and a resident for at least 30 days. You do not need to be registered with the Board of Elections, but you must show a valid photo identification.
Absentee Ballots: Contact the District Clerk at (607) 687-6215 or email vote@oacsd.org. Ballots must be received by 5:00 PM on May 19.
For more details, please visit our Budget Information Page - https://www.oacsd.org/page/school-budget-information or reach out via Let’s Talk! - https://www.oacsd.org/page/lets-talk.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition




OFA 2026 Seniors can submit their spotlight information here: https://forms.gle/5FBCExnt5fPJn1uC7.
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #ClassOf2026 #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA





As we approach the finish line of the 2025-2026 school year, we want to ensure everyone has the most up-to-date information regarding our end-of-year schedule and upcoming celebrations. Please review the following dates carefully as you plan for the end of the school year.
Owego Free Academy (Grades 9-12)
Last Full Day of Instruction: Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Testing Only Days: Regents and Local Exams will be held on June 9th & 10th, and from June 17th through June 26th. Please refer to the specific schedule in our Regents Letter for details - https://aptg.co/RqpQ5Q.
OES, AES and OAMS(Grades UPK-8)
Last Day for Students: Monday, June 22, 2026 (Half-Day).
OES & AES Dismissal: 11:00 am.
OAMS Dismissal: 12:00 pm.
After-School Programs: There will be no after-school programs on June 22nd. The final day for these programs is Thursday, June 18th.
Important Upcoming Dates
June 16 (Tue): AES 5th Grade Moving Up (https://aptg.co/fXz1_h) & OAMS 8th Grade Moving Up (https://aptg.co/Vv6Qf1)
June 18 (Thu): OES 5th Grade Moving Up (https://aptg.co/QMDFVm) & OFA Graduation (https://aptg.co/H862-S)
June 19 (Fri): No School (Juneteenth)
June 23 (Tue): Superintendent’s Conference Day (Professional Development / No School for Students unless they have a Regents’ Exam - https://aptg.co/RqpQ5Q.)
Please be aware that this schedule is subject to change in the event of any unexpected school closures. We will provide immediate updates should adjustments become necessary.
If you have specific questions, please contact your child’s school building directly or reach out via our Let’s Talk! platform at oacsd.org/page/lets-talk.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether

Mark your calendars, OA! Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we are taking this time to highlight the importance of emotional well-being and community support. 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

OFA 2026 Seniors can submit their spotlight information here: https://forms.gle/5FBCExnt5fPJn1uC7.
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #ClassOf2026 #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36j8u2pTjc8 #OARiverHawks #ThisIsOA

OFA 2026 Seniors can submit their spotlight information here: https://forms.gle/5FBCExnt5fPJn1uC7.
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #ClassOf2026 #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA

As we enter the 2026-2027 budget season, we want to provide opportunities for the entire school community to stay informed, not only on the school budget, but also on the significant change in our district’s tax base as the Stagecoach Pipeline & Storage Company LLC (formerly CNYOG) Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) agreement has expired.
Tonight, Thursday, April 30th, is an information session at Apalachin Elementary School at 6:00 pm. You may see on the district’s printed calendar that this meeting was originally scheduled for May 6th. That date was changed to tonight earlier in the school year after the calendar was printed.
Budget at a Glance:
Residents will notice a unique figure on this year’s Property Tax Report Card: an apparent 17.10% increase in the district’s tax levy. It is important to note that this is strictly an accounting change, not a tax increase.
The Change: By law, Stagecoach Pipeline has moved from "Miscellaneous Revenue" to the regular property tax rolls, just like any local homeowner. The Impact: The $3,183,700 payment is now categorized under the "Tax Levy."
The Reality: Because this $3.18 million increase in the levy is fully offset by Stagecoach now paying regular property taxes, there is no new tax burden on the community.
Proposed 2026-2027 annual budget: $63,567,555.
Bus Bond Proposition for 5 new diesel school buses.
Board of Education Election for 3 open seats.
Upcoming Budget Calendar & Deadlines
We invite you to join us for our upcoming information sessions:
April 30th: School Budget Information Session - Apalachin Elementary: 6 pm
Livestream - https://www.youtube.com/live/kvUgKH_vQVg
May 11th: School Budget Public Hearing - OA District Office: 6 pm
Livestream - https://www.youtube.com/live/7kBlbQTE4Ec
Voting Information
Budget Vote & BOE Election: May 19, 2026 (Noon – 8:00 PM)
Locations: Apalachin Elementary or OACSD District Office (based on residency).
Eligibility: Must be 18+, a U.S. citizen, and a resident for at least 30 days. Valid photo ID is required.
Absentee Ballots: Contact the District Clerk at (607) 687-6215 or email vote@oacsd.org. Ballots must be received by 5:00 PM on May 19.
For more details, please visit our Budget Information Page - https://www.oacsd.org/page/school-budget-information or reach out via Let’s Talk! - https://www.oacsd.org/page/lets-talk.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition



OFA 2026 Seniors can submit their spotlight information here: https://forms.gle/5FBCExnt5fPJn1uC7.
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #ClassOf2026 #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA

Apalachin Library - Star Wars May The Fourth Party: 5/2/26 - https://aptg.co/8dx26g
OA Youth Running Club - Registration: 5/4/26 - https://aptg.co/0ydbcX
OFA Post Prom - Chicken Dinner Fundraiser: 5/8/26 - https://aptg.co/GbHFmb
Rotary - Plant and Garden Bingo: 5/9/26 - https://aptg.co/BpXTNK
OA Youth Cheer Camp: 5/9/26 - https://aptg.co/mnhXLD
Charles H. Bassett - America 250 Celebration Contest: 5/14/26 - https://aptg.co/rb7C9z
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
OA District Art Show - Artistic Intelligence: 6/1/26 - https://aptg.co/nbck5b
Good News Club - Registration: 6/1/26 - https://aptg.co/Rn4h4c
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
The Dance Station - Adult Classes: 6/29/26 - https://aptg.co/QdVHCq
TIO - Basic Computer Classes - https://aptg.co/MfLKq6
WIC Income Guidelines 25-26: 6/30/26 - https://aptg.co/phv7kz
Food Bank Of The Southern Tier - Food Assistance - https://aptg.co/GJ2mm_
Food Bank Of The Southern Tier - Food Assistance - https://aptg.co/1zD4KS
Cub Scout Pack 37 - 2025-2026 Events - https://aptg.co/nTd_FR
Animal Care Sanctuary - Shelter Buddies Reading Program - https://aptg.co/rcYXXX
OES Green Team Donations 25-26 - https://aptg.co/zxt2C8
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










MUSIC UPDATE: The OFA Band and Jazz Band Spring Concert is tonight, Thursday, April 30th, at 7:30 pm, in the OA Theatre at Owego Apalachin Middle School. Come in person or watch the live stream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/b1MavNZU3lU.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition

The students taking personal training are working on getting ISSA certified so they can have a jump start in finding work in the exercise sciences field. Learn more about what goes on in the class in this behind-the-scenes look on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/aBXjxqaEKOw

OFA 2026 Seniors can submit their spotlight information here: https://forms.gle/5FBCExnt5fPJn1uC7.
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #ClassOf2026 #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA


🚌 Big Thanks to Our OA Drivers!
Today is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and we want to give a massive shout-out to the dedicated team at OACSD!
Rain, shine, or snow, our drivers are the first friendly faces our students see in the morning and the ones who ensure they get home safely every afternoon.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OAPride #SchoolBusDriverAppreciationDay #ThisIsOA

‘With the eggs, we bring them into the feed room, and then we use the sink and wash the eggs, and make sure they’re clean and dry them off, and put them in this fridge.” Mikayla Wilbur shares with us how she and the other students in Animal Sciences take care of the eggs and get them ready to sell. Learn more here on Showcase Classroom TV. https://youtu.be/vmBttTLAYMM

OFA 2026 Seniors can submit their spotlight information here: https://forms.gle/5FBCExnt5fPJn1uC7.
#OFARiverHawks #sOArTogether #OACommunity #OAPride #OATradition #OwegoFreeAcademy #ClassOf2026 #OwegoNY #ApalachinNY #ThisIsOA

“Your thumb goes around just like that, and what I try to do is keep it loose and not grip it too tight.” Dylan Brace teaches us how to throw a proper curveball. Learn more here on Showcase Sports TV. https://youtu.be/MeVFyfd61xE

The award reaches K-12 communities nationwide, offering both recognition and momentum to strengthen and expand music education programs. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools—including public, private, charter, and parochial institutions—have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.
"Securing the Best Communities for Music Education designation for the eighth time is a profound testament to our district," said Superintendent Dr. Corey Green. "This national recognition from The NAMM Foundation is a tribute to our exceptional educators who lead with passion, our talented students who pour their hearts into every note, and a supportive community that continues to champion the arts as a priority. This milestone doesn't just celebrate our past success; it reinforces our commitment to ensuring that high-quality music education remains a vital, vibrant, and accessible part of every child’s journey here at OA."
Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities, and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA #OACommunity #OAPride


