Dr. DeBarbieri has been deputy superintendent for Baldwinsville since 2016 and has also served as acting superintendent of schools. He took on the role of permanent superintendent on July 1, 2023. Dr. DeBarbieri began his career in Baldwinsville in 2002 as a math teacher at Charles W. Baker High School. He has worked as a building administrator at Baker High School and Van Buren Elementary School and also served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction before taking on the role as deputy superintendent. Dr. DeBarbieri has a Doctor of Education from Syracuse University, a Certificate of Advanced Studies from Syracuse University, a Master of Science from Le Moyne College, and a Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University.

April 10, 2026

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,

Happy Friday! As we returned to school this week, our buildings quickly came back to life with a full schedule of activities, events and accomplishments across the district. It has been a busy and exciting start to the final stretch of the school year! 

I have several announcements to share with you today: 

Championship Weekend Results:

During the first weekend of spring break, members of Bees Bands had an incredible showing at their championships. Please join me in congratulating the outstanding accomplishments of our winter programs.

• Our Indoor Drumline remained undefeated all season and took home first place in Concert A Class at the New York State Percussion Circuit Championships. We are so proud of their hard work, precision and dedication throughout the year. It was an amazing season and a well-deserved championship win.
• Our Junior Varsity Winterguard earned first place at the Mid-York Color Guard Circuit Championships. We are incredibly proud of this talented group of students for a season filled with hard work, growth and dedication. Their commitment to excellence was evident in every performance. Congratulations on an outstanding accomplishment. 
• Our Varsity Winterguard also had an incredible season to celebrate. They achieved the highest score ever in SA1 in district history, exceeding expectations every step of the way and making our entire community proud. To top it all off, Baldwinsville varsity was named the 2026 Mid-York Color Guard Circuit fan favorite. Congratulations on an amazing season and a truly memorable year.
• Our ERA Winterguard also had an impressive showing at the championships following a strong season. They earned second place and were also recognized with the fan favorite award, two remarkable accomplishments. We are so proud of this team and everything they achieved this season. The future looks bright across our programs.

Athletic Updates:

• We proudly celebrate our Varsity teams who have earned the prestigious NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete Team Award! Achieving this honor is no small feat. At least 75% of each team’s roster must maintain a GPA of 90% or higher. This remarkable accomplishment reflects not only athletic talent, but also a deep commitment to academic excellence. You can view the full list of athletes on our website.
• Ceremonial first pitches marked the spring opening of our new multi-purpose field on the main campus, celebrating the first home baseball and softball games in this exciting new space.
• Congratulations to Varsity Baseball Coach Dave Penafeather on winning his 250th baseball game on April 4th with a 5-4 win over Saratoga. Go Bees!

Jazz All-County Festival:

Congratulations to 9th Grader Isabella Tapia who will represent our district at the Jazz All-County Festival at Jordan-Elbridge today and Saturday. This is the second year Isabella has been selected for this prestigious honor. 

The following students will be participating in the Jazz Lab at the All-County Festival:

Elizabeth Boonamnuaysuk, Grade 7, French Horn, Ray Middle School
Carter Francis, Grade 7, Jazz Alto Sax, Ray Middle School
Brayden Gangemi, Grade 7, Jazz Alto Sax, Ray Middle School
Isaac Gloo, Grade 7, Jazz Trombone, Ray Middle School
Eli Walker, Grade 7, Bassoon, Ray Middle School
Gabriel Walsh, Grade 7, Jazz Trumpet, Ray Middle School

Teachers: Randall Bennett and Cody Lassinger

Congratulations! Go Bees!

Community Café:

Please join us for our next Community Café, which will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14th at C.W. Baker High School in the cafeteria. The topic discussed will be Wellness for the Mind and Body. Guests will gather in small groups as we share ideas, perspectives and light refreshments. Registration is required. We hope you can join us as we explore questions that matter, build relationships and share our knowledge and ideas to help build, educate and empower our students! 

Rock Fest:

Our high school's Modern Band will be performing at Lafayette Rock Fest tonight. One of our newest musical groups, this will be their first 'gig' so make sure to come out and support our Bees!

Art Show:

The All District Art Show featuring artwork from students across the district in kindergarten through fifth grade is on display now at the Baldwinsville Public Library. Work will be on display until April 29th. Be sure to stop by and take a look. Our Bees are incredibly creative and talented! 

Durgee Principal Announcement:

On Monday, the Board of Education appointed John Courain as principal of Durgee Junior High School, effective July 1, 2026. Current Principal T.J. Fraher announced his retirement earlier this year. Following a comprehensive interview process last month, the district is proud to promote Mr. Courain from his role as assistant principal, a position he has held since September 2021. Mr. Courain’s experience, dedication and familiarity with the Durgee community make him exceptionally well-suited for this position. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Courain on this well-deserved appointment. We look forward to his continued leadership and the positive impact he will have on the Durgee school community.

Bee Well Paint-A-Thon:

Registration is now open for the Bee Well Mental Health Awareness Window Paint-A-Thon in the village of Baldwinsville. District students, staff and families are invited to help paint windows throughout the village to raise awareness for mental health. The event will be held rain or shine. This free program requires registration by Friday, April 24, 2026, and space is limited. The program is a collaboration between the BCSD Mental Health Awareness Committee and the Town of Lysander Parks and Recreation Department.

Please continue to check ParentSquare, your email and our website at www.bville.org, for important updates. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Have a great weekend! Go Bees!

Sincerely,

Dr. Joseph M. DeBarbieri
Superintendent of Schools

Read all messages from Dr. DeBarbieri – 2025-26 School Year