This week, our district held public hearings for Lincoln and Pleasant Valley Elementary Schools, which are transitioning into Receivership status. This transition follows three years of these campuses being identified under the state’s Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) model.
It is important to note that Lincoln and Pleasant Valley have both demonstrated academic growth and improved attendance over the last four years. Receivership is the next step in accelerating that momentum.
A common misconception is that Receivership means an outside party takes over the school. This is not the case. Instead, the Superintendent becomes the "Receiver," providing the district with the authority to manage and operate the schools with greater agility.
We aren't simply meeting requirements; we are utilizing the state’s specialized "toolbox" to improve Lincoln and Pleasant Valley at a faster rate. This intervention is a catalyst to turn these challenges into a Schenectady success story.
Schools under Receivership are provided with targeted technical assistance and support to work towards demonstrable improvement on performance indicators. We are also eligible for supplemental financial support to facilitate turnaround efforts.
Our work begins with a deep-dive needs assessment to identify and remove barriers to student success. Central to this process is Community Engagement. We are committed to a transparent partnership with our families and staff through:
Community Engagement Teams (CET): Dedicated groups at both schools to provide local insight.
Stakeholder Surveys: An opportunity for all students, families and staff to share their feedback.
Once we collect this feedback, each school will develop a Continuation Plan highlighting key focus areas for the upcoming year.
We have created a dedicated Receivership Webpage to serve as your central resource for updates. You can find videos and presentations from this week’s hearings, along with FAQs and progress reports:
RECEIVERSHIP UPDATES AND RESOURCES
Ask Your Questions. Share Your Thoughts.
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions you would like to share. Please click here. Your submission goes directly to the SCSD Chief Academic Officer.