My family has resided in southern Cayuga County for 21 years. We have two children who have recently graduated SCCS and a third child in the high school. I, therefore, feel qualified to discuss the quality of the teachers, administrators and overall educational experience they provide in our district.

I have had open communication with teachers and administrators that my children have had over the years. They have returned notes, phone calls and more recently emails whenever I have contacted them, usually after school hours.

Many teachers and administrators spend hundreds of dollars of their own money on photography, food, and other supplies for their students. The staff donates generously to less fortunate families in our district during the holiday season. Teachers and administrators spend hours of their own time writing letters of recommendation for students to apply to colleges, providing extra help after school, chaperoning students on weekend events, and planning their lessons.

Quite surprisingly, we have a group of teachers who are among the lowest paid in the state of New York, but they still give generously of their time, personal finances, and emotional support. How lucky are we!

It truly takes a village to raise a child! We would like to thank the staff at Southern Cayuga for helping our children in such an honorable, selfless manner. Our community has created many wonderful adults as a result of their educational experience at Southern Cayuga. We can only hope that some will return here to raise their families because they wish for their children to attend our schools. With our teachers, administrators and staff and with positive support from our community, we can continue to have a district that attracts young families and is proud to call Southern Cayuga their home.

Linda Mandel

King Ferry