Binghamton City School District

Educate Empower Challenge

The Binghamton City School District has developed communication protocols to promote direct, open, and respectful interactions so that problems and concerns can be worked out quickly and efficiently. The communication protocol starts with the staff member closest to the situation, as that person will have the most information. At times, additional personnel are required to resolve specific situations. Appropriate communication channels for a variety of topics are listed below. The district encourages any and all questions from parents and residents regarding school matters. 

Classroom Issues Involving an Individual Child (classroom procedures, behavior, grades, schedule, etc...)

STEP 1: Classroom Teacher; if not resolved
STEP 2: Building Principal; if not resolved
STEP 3: Larry Dake, Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and Budget
STEP 4: Tonia Thompson, Superintendent of Schools

Curriculum/ Instruction Questions (subject matter being taught, teaching strategies, textbooks, and materials used, etc...)

STEP 1: Classroom Teacher; if not resolved
STEP 2: Building Principal; if not resolved
STEP 3: Larry Dake, Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and Budget
STEP 4: Tonia Thompson, Superintendent of Schools

Special Education Concerns

STEP 1: Teacher; if not resolved
STEP 2: School Psychologist; if not resolved
STEP 3: Building Principal; if not resolved
STEP 4: Velvet Tanner or Tia Rodriguez, Director of Special Services

School Personnel Concerns

STEP 1: Building Principal; if not resolved
STEP 2: Eric Wilson, Director of Human Resources and Operations; if not resolved
STEP 3: Tonia Thompson, Superintendent of Schools

Employment, Residency and Certification Questions

STEP 1: Dawne Anna Adames, Director of Personnel
STEP 2: Eric Wilson, Director of Human Resources and Operations; if not resolved
STEP 3: Tonia Thompson, Superintendent of Schools

Fine Arts Concerns

STEP 1: Teacher; if not resolved
STEP 2: Building Principal; if not resolved
STEP 3: Margaret McGarry, Fine Arts; if not resolved
STEP 4: Eric Wilson, Director of Human Resources and Operations; if not resolved
STEP 5 Tonia Thompson, Superintendent of Schools

Athletic Concerns

STEP 1: Coach; if not resolved
STEP 2: David Garbarino, Director of Health and Physical Education; if not resolved
STEP 3: Tonia Thompson, Superintendent of Schools

Health Concerns

STEP 1: School Nurse; if not resolved
STEP 2: Building Principal; if not resolved
STEP 3: David Garbarino, Director of Health and Physical Education

Transportation Concerns 

STEP 1: Bus Driver; if not resolved
STEP 2: Building Principal; if not resolved
STEP 3: Kelly Vandorn, First Student Supervisor; if not resolved
STEP 4: Margaret McGarry, Director of Pupil Services; if not resolved
STEP 5: Eric Wilson, Director of Human Resources and Operations; if not resolved
STEP 6: Tonia Thompson, Superintendent of School

Budget Concerns

STEP 1: Building Principal or Director of area of concern
STEP 2: Larry Dake, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Budget; if not resolved
STEP 3: Tonia Thompson, Superintendent of Schools; if not resolved

Board Policy Concerns: 

STEP 1: Superintendent of Schools
STEP 2: Board of Education


Please note: If your issue has not been resolved after following ALL of the appropriate steps in the communication protocol, then please contact the Board of Education.