Superintendent Updates

Superintendent Update as of September 21, 2023 – 12:00 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District families,

We are writing to update you on a recent communication we received regarding a “swatting hoax” spreading throughout New York State airports, schools, and places of worship. Swatting incidents are threats made with the purpose of triggering a response by police and first responders while also creating fear and panic in communities. This hoax includes automated phone calls and/or emails stating that there are bombs in the building. The Elmira City School District HAS NOT received this swatting hoax. We are simply writing to make you aware of this national hoax.

This week, a neighboring district was impacted by false reports of a bomb threat on their campus. It was unsubstantiated by the NYS Troopers and the FBI. Safety is truly our number one priority and we will continue to be diligent about investigating any and all claims. We will continue to work with the local law enforcement.

If we receive one of these threats, we will follow our safety protocols regardless of the current swatting hoax in the area. Student and staff safety is our priority.

We encourage you and our students to report anything that could constitute a threat to school safety immediately.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your building principal. Thank you for your help and cooperation.

Hillary J. Austin

Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District



A Back-to-School Message from the Superintendent

September 1, 2023

Dear Elmira City School District families,

I hope you all had a fun, safe, and restful summer with your family and friends. The new school year is here! We are looking forward to a wonderful year of education in Elmira. The 2023-24 school year begins for students on Thursday, September 7, 2023. 

We believe that when families and schools work together, our students will achieve their greatest successes. School to home communication is a critical component of student engagement and safety. Please be proactive in making sure the school has your most up-to-date contact records on file in the case we need to contact you. Click here for a full list of District contacts should you have specific questions for a department or school.

Explore the back-to-school resources below to help you in your transition back to school.

Teacher Assignments and Schedules

Our teachers and staff have spent the summer preparing for the upcoming year. Each registered student is enrolled and has assigned teachers. SchoolTool’s Parent Portal is also a resource for you to access this information. If you have not yet picked up your student’s schedule, please make arrangements by calling the Main Office of your student’s school.

Are you new to School Tool’s Parent Portal? Click here for sign-up instructions and helpful links.

Bell Schedules, School Start/End Times

Arriving at school well-before the bell will avoid a tardy. Remember, every school serves free breakfast so refer to communication from your school principal for breakfast times and when doors open. Click here for the 2023-2024 Bell Schedule and find your school's start and end times.

School Supplies

As a reminder, school supplies will be provided to all students this year and the only item your student will need from home is a bookbag.

School Meals, Free Breakfast and Lunch

Free breakfast and lunch will be provided daily for all Elmira students in every building across the school district all year long. Find meal menus and helpful nutritional tips for families by clicking here.

Transportation + MyView Zonar Bus Tracker

The Transportation Department has uploaded bus information into the Parent Portal system for parents/guardians of students riding the bus to and/or from school this year. The information is listed under “USER DEFINED” tab for each registered student. The USER DEFINED tab is the last tab to your far right. If you are viewing this on mobile, you may need to pinch your screen or turn to landscape for the tab to appear. Please keep in mind that the listed pickup and drop-off times are preliminary at this point until we can establish ridership on each bus. We appreciate your patience in the first weeks of school as we confirm routes for our 3,000+ student riders.

New! Available September 1, 2023! Parents/guardians of students who ride the school bus will be able to track the school bus using a secure GPS locator app, MyView Zonar Bus Tracker. This service will available to families after September 1, 2023.

Click here for transportation information, including the Zonar Bus Tracker information >>

If your child is riding the bus and you do not see bus information in the Parent Portal system, please contact a dispatcher in the Transportation Department as soon as possible at 607-735-3950 or email [email protected].

State-Required Immunizations for School

Did you know that all children are required to be up-to-date on certain immunizations in order to attend school? Click here for health requirements for your student’s upcoming school year.

Free Admission to Athletic Events

Support Express student athletes! Once again this year, we are pleased to offer free admission to athletic events at our Express Athletic Complex. Click here for information on sports schedules, stadium expectations and more.

We look forward to beginning the 2023-24 school year on Thursday, September 7, 2023!

Thank you and be well,

Hillary J. Austin
Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District