CHENANGO FORKS CSD
April 7, 2026

Dear Chenango Forks Families,

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As we approach a well-deserved Spring Break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the month of March, a time that was both busy and rewarding for our Chenango Forks students.

Throughout the month, our students demonstrated their talents, dedication and school pride across a wide range of activities. From musical events such as BCMEA All-County and our production of “The Wizard of Oz,” to strong performances by our middle and high school robotics and Science Olympiad teams, as well as several varsity athletic teams advancing to postseason play, our students earned well deserved recognition both individually and collectively. Most recently, our middle and high school agricultural students led our 4 Annual Agriculture Day at Chenango Forks. Despite less-than-ideal weather, the event was a tremendous success, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students from prekindergarten through grade 12. The enthusiasm, leadership and strong participation throughout all these events truly highlight the pride, collaboration and commitment that define Forks Nation.

In district budget news, we continue to work diligently to finalize the proposed 2026–2027 school year budget. This has been a particularly challenging process, as the Governor and Legislature have once again not adopted a state budget on time. As a result, we are developing financial projections based on multiple budget proposals from both houses of the Legislature, which adds complexity to our planning. Despite these uncertainties, our administrative team remains committed to thoughtful and responsible planning for the upcoming school year. The most recent budget presentation from the March Board of Education meeting is available on our website under Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes.

As we look ahead to April, our habit focus is Habit 6: Synergize. Synergizing emphasizes the importance of teamwork and working together toward shared goals. These principles are evident throughout our schools each day, and we look forward to continuing to highlight and celebrate examples of collaboration among our students, staff and families. Be sure to watch this month’s character education video, which highlights Habit 6 in action.

As we head into spring break, I want to thank the entire CF community- our students, faculty, staff and families, for your continued dedication to making Chenango Forks a place where all learners grow and excel.

The remainder of the school year always moves quickly after the break and is filled with important events and exciting milestones, and I am confident this year will be no exception.

Tom Burkhardt, Superintendent