Among the current priority initiatives are the following:

• 2024-2025 Budget

• Launch of the 5-year Strategic Plan

• Hiring

• Capital Project work that is taking place and will be scheduled across the district and the necessary planning and communication

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) assessments that are coming up

• Planning for summer programming.

Dr. Cotto will be scheduling listening and learning meetings with stakeholders from all corners of our district and community throughout May and June. We will share that schedule once it is set. He plans to meet with members of the community and be visible at outreach and community events.

If you are interested in scheduling a meeting with Dr. Cotto, please contact Michelle Eden, Secretary to the Superintendent. She can be reached at 518-370-8100 Ext. 36907 or by email edenm@schenectadyschools.org.

Earlier this week, WNYT Anchor Subrina Dhammi, sat down with Dr. Cotto at the district Family and Community Engagement Center (FACE) to talk about his goals, what he sees as the biggest challenge and his approach to the top leadership position. Click here to watch the video.

As you know, there was no school Wednesday because of a "Superintendent's Conference Day." For parents and community members who don't know, these days are set aside on the calendar for all district faculty and staff to participate in professional learning activities related to each person's role in the district. These often include a speaker, workshops, and a variety of sessions led by our own staff. This is time set aside for our faculty and staff to engage in work that involves, collaboration, problem-solving and learning as well as providing tools and resources regarding current initiatives and best practices.

Dr. Cotto visited a number of professional developments sessions on Wednesday,

Shades of Sisterhood is scheduled to launch on Saturday, March 23. This is an important initiative to Dr. Cotto and something he has been working toward in his role as Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Equity and Engagement and since the re-launch of My Brother's Keeper (MBK) in our district and in the NYSMBK Community. This will be an exciting day. The program logo will be unveiled and the young women will have an opportunity to celebrate their sisterhood.

The goal of this group is to help young women find their voice, define their goals and dream, and move forward in the world with pride and self-confidence. The mission of Shades of Sisterhood is to create a sisterhood that empowers young women to become their authentic selves, elevate their voices, and cultivate their community. Pre-teen and teenage girls will engage in discussions and activities.

Watch for more information on the event and how middle school and high school girls can join Shades of Sisterhood.

The next Board of Education meeting will be held Wednesday, March 20, 6:30 p.m. in the Mont Pleasant Middle School Schenectady Room. As usual, the meeting will also be live-streamed. This was originally scheduled to be a work session but has since been changed on the schedule and will be a regular meeting that will include board action. At that meeting, a 2024-2025 Budget update and an update on the 2030 Revitalization Plan will be presented. The board will also review and vote on the 2024-2025 School Calendar. Once the board of education approves a calendar, that will be posted online and shared.

REMINDERS

March 25
No School
Holiday: Phagwa/Holi

March 29
No School
Holiday: Good Friday/Spring Recess April 1 - 5

MOBILE APP SUPPORT Click here to watch a short video on how to set your school and language preferences on our mobile app: hhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saNC9ek2Lqg

PREVIOUS BRIEFS: For the index of Volume 1, 2 and 3 briefs click here.