Dr. Kevin Whitaker

Dear Jamestown Community,

What an incredible year it has been! We are so fortunate to be able to share such great news in our local newspaper throughout the school year, and are grateful to our friends at The Post-Journal for giving us this chance to “focus on schools.”

Each spring, as we look ahead to a new school year, we also take time to reflect on the one coming to a close. At Jamestown Public Schools, we are proud to say that there is always something worth celebrating. From academic milestones to musical triumphs to athletic achievements, our students continue to rise, inspire, and lead.

This year has been filled with remarkable accomplishments in our classrooms, on our stages, and in our athletic programs. Beyond the classroom, our students have once again demonstrated their generosity and leadership through community efforts like Battle of the Classes and Penny Wars, making a real difference in the lives of others.

These are the stories that define Jamestown Public Schools — stories of excellence, growth, and promise. We encourage you to follow these stories daily on our website and social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. The best way to understand our schools is to see the extraordinary work happening every single day.

These achievements continue to be possible because of you — our families, staff, and community members — who continue to support and invest in our schools. Thank you for the role you play in allowing us to see every child learning every day.

Looking forward, the 2025-26 Budget, in the amount of $115,876,898, includes a 0% increase to the tax levy. The budget maintains a strong focus on student learning, with key investments in instructional coaching, curriculum expansion, and academic support. It also prioritizes facility improvements, including continued playground upgrades at our elementary schools, and safety enhancements, such as an emergency radio replacement plan. The budget continues to support our vibrant extracurricular and athletic programs, including modified football, cheerleading, and unified athletic programs, while also maintaining critical student support positions such as additional reading teachers, and adding an assistant principal at Jamestown High School. This budget also invests in student wellbeing by maintaining critical mental health support services, including school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses — all of whom play a vital role in helping students thrive.

Additionally, voters will be asked to elect two members to the Board of Education. The two candidates receiving the most votes will serve three-year terms expiring June 30, 2028. More information on the candidates can be found at jpsny.org/vote.

Our schools are strong because our community is strong. Thank you for being part of that strength — for your continued investment in our students, your support of our educators, and your belief in the power of public education. Please remember to vote on May 20.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kevin Whitaker and the Jamestown Board of Education