REMINDER
Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19, is our annual School Budget Vote and Board Election. Your participation plays a vital role in shaping the future of our schools and supporting our students.
Here is what is on the ballot this year:
The Annual School Budget
Three Property Proposals
School Board Election
📋 Vote Details & Information
For a full breakdown of the budget, the property proposals, and the school board candidates, please click on the link:
👉 https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/2026-2027budget
📍 Voting Hours & Locations
Polls will be open on Tuesday, May 19 from noon - 9 p.m.. If you are unsure of your designated polling place or need voting hours, you can easily look it up online:
👉 https://nb.findmypollplace.com/schenectadyCSD/AmIRegistered.aspx?language=en
Thank you for your continued partnership and for staying engaged in our school community.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19, is our annual School Budget Vote and Board Election. Your participation plays a vital role in shaping the future of our schools and supporting our students.
Here is what is on the ballot this year:
The Annual School Budget
Three Property Proposals
School Board Election
📋 Vote Details & Information
For a full breakdown of the budget, the property proposals, and the school board candidates, please click on the link:
👉 https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/2026-2027budget
📍 Voting Hours & Locations
Polls will be open on Tuesday, May 19 from noon - 9 p.m.. If you are unsure of your designated polling place or need voting hours, you can easily look it up online:
👉 https://nb.findmypollplace.com/schenectadyCSD/AmIRegistered.aspx?language=en
Thank you for your continued partnership and for staying engaged in our school community.
🗳 On Tuesday, May 19, community members will head to the polls to vote on the proposed 2026-27 school budget, three propositions, and elect three members to the Board of Education.
⏰ Polls are open from noon until 9 p.m.
For full details visit our website ➡️ https://www.schenectadyschools.org/article/2825300
PREVIEW: SUMMER SCHOOL 2026 MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Schenectady City School District families, get ready to plan ahead!
While registration is not yet open, here is an important first look at our Summer School 2026 schedule so you can save the dates.
Dates: July 8th – August 13th
Regents Exams: August 18th & 19th
Breakfast & lunch will be available, and transportation will be provided for those who qualify.
Locations, Grade Levels & Hours:
Steinmetz Freshman Leadership Academy (SFLA): * Who: 9th Grade (Freshmen)
Hours: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Schenectady High School (SHS) @ Mont Pleasant: * Who: 11th & 12th Grade (Select Juniors & Seniors)
Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Capital Region BOCES Site: * Who: 10th Grade (Sophomores) & select 11th Grade
Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
⚠️ Please Note: Space will be limited! Stay tuned for upcoming announcements on how and when to register your child.
Schenectady City School District families, get ready to plan ahead!
While registration is not yet open, here is an important first look at our Summer School 2026 schedule so you can save the dates.
Dates: July 8th – August 13th
Regents Exams: August 18th & 19th
Breakfast & lunch will be available, and transportation will be provided for those who qualify.
Locations, Grade Levels & Hours:
Steinmetz Freshman Leadership Academy (SFLA): * Who: 9th Grade (Freshmen)
Hours: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Schenectady High School (SHS) @ Mont Pleasant: * Who: 11th & 12th Grade (Select Juniors & Seniors)
Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Capital Region BOCES Site: * Who: 10th Grade (Sophomores) & select 11th Grade
Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
⚠️ Please Note: Space will be limited! Stay tuned for upcoming announcements on how and when to register your child.
Please click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for the week ending May 15. https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-may152026
For Teacher Appreciation Month, the Schenectady City Council proudly recognized Ms. Gibson with a City Resolution for her outstanding dedication to her students and the community.
Councilman Justin Chaires chose Ms. Gibson for this honor because she represents the compassion, leadership, and commitment that leaves a lasting impact in our schools every day. Thank you for all you do for our children and the future leaders of Schenectady. 🍎📚
"A special thank you as well to her TA and para for their hard work, and to Superintendent Dr. Carlos Cotto for his continued support of our amazing teachers, SRPs, and Schenectady students". - Justin Chaires
Councilman Justin Chaires chose Ms. Gibson for this honor because she represents the compassion, leadership, and commitment that leaves a lasting impact in our schools every day. Thank you for all you do for our children and the future leaders of Schenectady. 🍎📚
"A special thank you as well to her TA and para for their hard work, and to Superintendent Dr. Carlos Cotto for his continued support of our amazing teachers, SRPs, and Schenectady students". - Justin Chaires
The Blue Roses Theatre Company is proud to announce their final production of the 2026-2026 season: Imagine That! A Series of Student-Written Work. The program features six original short plays and three original monologues written by students in the Writing for Stage and Screen course. Six student directors have been hard at work bringing this program to the stage, as have a host of actors, technicians, and designers!
Fri, May 29 @ 7:00 PM 🌙
Sat, May 30 @ 2:00 PM ☀️ & 7:00 PM 🌙
📍 Location: Ziskin Black Box Theater, Schenectady HS
$5 General Admission
FREE for SCSD students & staff 🎓
Mature themes: Parental guidance advised for students under 13
Artwork by: Allison Ele
Fri, May 29 @ 7:00 PM 🌙
Sat, May 30 @ 2:00 PM ☀️ & 7:00 PM 🌙
📍 Location: Ziskin Black Box Theater, Schenectady HS
$5 General Admission
FREE for SCSD students & staff 🎓
Mature themes: Parental guidance advised for students under 13
Artwork by: Allison Ele
The budget vote on May 19th features a 0% tax levy increase for the eighth consecutive year. This year's budget also includes three facility propositions.
The first of these three facility propositions is 1080 Catalyn Street, a proposed new hub for our Operations and Maintenance team. This acquisition allows the team to move out of Mont Pleasant Middle School, removing industrial materials from the building and opening up valuable educational space for our students. To learn more about Proposition 1, please visit schenectadyschools.org/page/2026-2027budget. 💰📉
The first of these three facility propositions is 1080 Catalyn Street, a proposed new hub for our Operations and Maintenance team. This acquisition allows the team to move out of Mont Pleasant Middle School, removing industrial materials from the building and opening up valuable educational space for our students. To learn more about Proposition 1, please visit schenectadyschools.org/page/2026-2027budget. 💰📉
Registration is open for the 21st Century Summer Program (Grades 6-12)
Dates: July 6 - 31
Days: Monday - Friday
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdltjj1O1B3RUxlhglAMQMapu2q5ThtMNyqZby0TU40fNMZNg/viewform
Dates: July 6 - 31
Days: Monday - Friday
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdltjj1O1B3RUxlhglAMQMapu2q5ThtMNyqZby0TU40fNMZNg/viewform
Literacy is the foundation for everything. It’s the key to curiosity, the bridge to empathy, and the strongest tool we have for lifelong success. When we support literacy, we aren’t just teaching kids to decode words; we’re giving them the ability to navigate the world.
Whether it’s 20 minutes of reading before bed or exploring new worlds at the library, every page counts.
How can you support a young reader today?
> Model it: Let them see you reading for pleasure.
> Discuss it: Ask "What do you think happens next?"
> Access it: Visit our local library or school media center. Don't forget about our free library at the Family and Community Engagement Center located at 530 Liberty St.
Let’s keep our community turning pages.
#SchenectadyReads #LiteracyMatters #ReadEveryDay #Superpower
Whether it’s 20 minutes of reading before bed or exploring new worlds at the library, every page counts.
How can you support a young reader today?
> Model it: Let them see you reading for pleasure.
> Discuss it: Ask "What do you think happens next?"
> Access it: Visit our local library or school media center. Don't forget about our free library at the Family and Community Engagement Center located at 530 Liberty St.
Let’s keep our community turning pages.
#SchenectadyReads #LiteracyMatters #ReadEveryDay #Superpower
🗳️ ONE WEEK UNTIL THE VOTE: MAY 19
In exactly one week, Tuesday, May 19, our community will head to the polls for the Annual School Budget Vote and Board Election.
📋 What’s on the Ballot?
>> 2026-27 School Budget: The proposed plan to fund our classrooms, programs, and student services for the upcoming year. No Tax Levy Increase.
>> Three Facility Propositions
>> Board of Education Election
Scan the QR Code for details.
📍 Where & When
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: Noon - 9 p.m.
Not sure where to vote? Click here: https://nb.findmypollplace.com/schenectadyCSD/AmIRegistered.aspx?language=en
In exactly one week, Tuesday, May 19, our community will head to the polls for the Annual School Budget Vote and Board Election.
📋 What’s on the Ballot?
>> 2026-27 School Budget: The proposed plan to fund our classrooms, programs, and student services for the upcoming year. No Tax Levy Increase.
>> Three Facility Propositions
>> Board of Education Election
Scan the QR Code for details.
📍 Where & When
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: Noon - 9 p.m.
Not sure where to vote? Click here: https://nb.findmypollplace.com/schenectadyCSD/AmIRegistered.aspx?language=en
📸 PHOTOS: Girls Lacrosse Senior Night
The season wraps up today with a home game at SHS beginning at 4 p.m.
The season wraps up today with a home game at SHS beginning at 4 p.m.
Congratulations to Schenectady students on graduating from Rise High last night! We celebrate their hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments, and we wish them continued success as they complete this school year and prepare for future opportunities.
This week’s Teacher of the Week is Karyn Lefco! Karyn has been a special education teacher at Woodlawn for 11 years. Thank you for your dedication, Karyn!
To learn more about the passionate people in our district and explore our strategic plan, visit this link: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/strategic-plan-2024-2030
#passionatepeople #SCSDstrategicplan ❤️💙
To learn more about the passionate people in our district and explore our strategic plan, visit this link: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/strategic-plan-2024-2030
#passionatepeople #SCSDstrategicplan ❤️💙
On Sunday, SHS Symphony Orchestra ensemble competed in the Music In The Parks competition in MA and wrapped up the day at Six Flags New England.
Our performers were awarded 1st Place with a superior rating in our classification and the highest score of the day from one judge.
Congratulations to these hardworking students and thank you for representing Schenectady Schools proudly.
Our performers were awarded 1st Place with a superior rating in our classification and the highest score of the day from one judge.
Congratulations to these hardworking students and thank you for representing Schenectady Schools proudly.
💰 Build a Brighter Future for Your Family!
Ready to take control of your finances but not sure where to start? Join us for our next Financial Wellness for Families session. Whether you're looking to crush debt, master a monthly budget, or start saving for the kids' future, we’ve got the tools to help you succeed.
🗓️ Event Details
When: Tomorrow, May 12
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Where: 1104 Webster St.
Ready to take control of your finances but not sure where to start? Join us for our next Financial Wellness for Families session. Whether you're looking to crush debt, master a monthly budget, or start saving for the kids' future, we’ve got the tools to help you succeed.
🗓️ Event Details
When: Tomorrow, May 12
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Where: 1104 Webster St.
Happy Monday! We hope you’ve had a productive start to the week after a wonderful Sunday spent celebrating the mother figures and positive female influences in your lives. Let’s keep that momentum going by prioritizing our attendance and striving to be here for the remaining four days of the week—you can do it!
Parents and guardians, if you need support motivating your child to attend school, please reach out to your student’s teacher, counselor, or your school’s attendance specialist. Click the link to learn more about why attendance matters:
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/projectbehere-attendance-matters
#projectbehere #SchenectadyShowsUp #EveryDayCounts
Parents and guardians, if you need support motivating your child to attend school, please reach out to your student’s teacher, counselor, or your school’s attendance specialist. Click the link to learn more about why attendance matters:
https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/projectbehere-attendance-matters
#projectbehere #SchenectadyShowsUp #EveryDayCounts
Budget refresh! A reminder that our Board of Education approved the 2026-2027 budget proposal, featuring a 0% tax levy increase for the 8th year in a row. The spending plan maintains programs and services for students while continuing our commitment to fiscal responsibility and community stability.
In addition to the budget, this year’s ballot includes three facility propositions designed to strengthen our schools, expand opportunities, and improve efficiency.
Vote takes place MAY 19TH!!!
On the Ballot:
1️⃣ Proposition 1 - Operations and Maintenance Facility: The district proposes purchasing property (1080 Catalyn Street) to relocate our Operations and Maintenance Department from MPMS to a dedicated facility to free up educational space and improve student safety.
2️⃣ Proposition 2 - Adult and Continuing Education Center: Purchasing this facility (80 Nott Terrace) secures a permanent home for Schenectady’s adult education and workforce programs while eliminating rental costs to maximize long-term savings.
3️⃣ Proposition 3 - City as our Campus / ECHS / P-Tech: To support the continued growth of City As Our Campus, Early College High School (ECHS), and the P-TECH program, the district is proposing a 20-year lease at our current location (433 State Street).
🗳️ Board of Education Election: Residents will also vote to fill three Board of Education seats.
Your voice matters! Get the full details and polling info here: schenectadyschools.org/page/2026-2027budget
In addition to the budget, this year’s ballot includes three facility propositions designed to strengthen our schools, expand opportunities, and improve efficiency.
Vote takes place MAY 19TH!!!
On the Ballot:
1️⃣ Proposition 1 - Operations and Maintenance Facility: The district proposes purchasing property (1080 Catalyn Street) to relocate our Operations and Maintenance Department from MPMS to a dedicated facility to free up educational space and improve student safety.
2️⃣ Proposition 2 - Adult and Continuing Education Center: Purchasing this facility (80 Nott Terrace) secures a permanent home for Schenectady’s adult education and workforce programs while eliminating rental costs to maximize long-term savings.
3️⃣ Proposition 3 - City as our Campus / ECHS / P-Tech: To support the continued growth of City As Our Campus, Early College High School (ECHS), and the P-TECH program, the district is proposing a 20-year lease at our current location (433 State Street).
🗳️ Board of Education Election: Residents will also vote to fill three Board of Education seats.
Your voice matters! Get the full details and polling info here: schenectadyschools.org/page/2026-2027budget
👑 Congratulations to the Oneida Middle School students who performed in Cinderella. Great job by the cast, crew, and staff and thank you to the families who came out to support them.
On Tuesday, May 19, the Schenectady community will vote on the proposed 2026-27 school district budget. The proposed budget totals $310,543,870, representing a $15 million (5.09%) increase over the current year. This increase is offset by New York State Foundation Aid, the district’s fund balance, and the expiration of prior debt.
Most importantly, for the eighth consecutive year, this budget includes a 0% tax levy increase. As a result, the budget requires a simple majority to pass.
Visit our website for full details ➡️ https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/2026-2027budget
Most importantly, for the eighth consecutive year, this budget includes a 0% tax levy increase. As a result, the budget requires a simple majority to pass.
Visit our website for full details ➡️ https://www.schenectadyschools.org/page/2026-2027budget
Click on the link to open Superintendent Dr. Cotto's update for the week ending May 8: https://www.schenectadyschools.org/o/scsd/page/superintendents-update-may-8-2026
