Good afternoon,

I'm going to start my brief today with some good news. Last week the New York State Education Department shared the most recent accountability statuses for schools. I am pleased to share that four of our schools have improved and we now have seven schools in good standing and an eighth on the path.

Congratulations to the administration, faculty and staff, parents, and students at Paige Elementary, Yates Elementary and Oneida Middle School. These schools have improved from CSI to LSI which is the highest designation and equivalent to "good standing." Congratulations is also in order for Van Corlaer which advanced from CSI to ATSI which is also an improvement and step toward the LSI designation. Van Corlaer will continue to receive supplemental support options as they move forward.

Below is a chart that compares the accountability status for each school from the last school year to this school year. We should be proud of any shift from "red to yellow and especially to green.

We still have seven schools with the CSI designation which means these schools will continue to receive additional support to help boost achievement. I am confident that these schools are on the path toward moving to the next level. I am extremely proud of the growth that we have made and progress we continue to make. While we know we still have work to do, we should pause and celebrate our achievements.

REMINDERS

February 19 - 23
Recess

February 19 (Holiday)
President's Day
District Offices Closed

PRESENTATIONS AT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

At Wednesday's Board of Education Meeting, Mr. Gillooley presented the preliminary budget picture based on Governor Hochul's budget. While it's still too soon to share a complete budget picture at this time, it does appear that we will be able to present a budget that will keep our programs and services intact and not impact the tax levy. The board of education has been steadfast in this commitment to Schenectady taxpayers. Assuming we are able to do it again, this will be the 6th consecutive year without a tax increase. You can download the budget presentation here.

CONGRATULATIONS

I wish to extend huge congratulations to Kristin Munrett, principal of King Elementary School, who was appointed tenure by the board of education this week. Tenure is a big deal. It is a right that is earned following time, experience, oversight, and evaluation.

Ms. Munrett has been in the district for 21 years. This is her 4th year as principal at MLK. She is also a former SCSD Teacher of the Year. Thank you to Ms. Munrett for all she does as the leader at MLK and congrats on earning tenure.

THANK YOU SCHOOL COUNSELORS

As National School Counseling Week comes to a close, I would like to express a sincere "thank you" to all of our school counselors. I know you work extremely hard and you play a vital role in our work to ensure student success. School counselors are part of the school support team. They have a significant responsibility guiding and supporting students through their academic journeys and sometimes through challenging situations. Their work includes addressing academics, social skills, mental health, scheduling, mediation, helping students explore interests and potential career options. They also work to identify issues affecting school attendance and performance in school. The focus of their work is to ensure students have social emotional and other supports so that they can be successful.

Each of our schools has at least one school counselor. We are proud of the work that each of them does to support our students.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

As Black History Month continues, I'd like to recognize and celebrate Mrs. Laura A.W. Vonie, one of the first African American teachers and administrators who worked n the Schenectady City School District. Ms. Vonie graduated from Mont Pleasant High School and then went on to earn a degree in Psychology at Russell Sage College and a Masters in Curriculum and Supervision at SUNY Albany before beginning a long career in education.

She began her educational career as a substitute teacher in our district elementary schools in 1960 before becoming a special resource teacher and then assistant principal at Washington Irving, Grout Park, Zoller and Paige schools. She also worked as coordinator of human relations and participated in the recruitment of teachers. Lastly, at one point she served as an impartial hearing officer for the New York State Education Department. Ms. Vonie retired in 1985. Ms. Vonie was also one of two Schenectady Delegates sent to the National NAACP Convention in Denver.

Ms. Vonie passed away in May of 2012. She was a true pioneer of our school district who deserves celebration. Thank you to Ms. Vonie's nephew, Dean I. Vrooman Sr., who reached out and shared the wonderful achievements of his aunt.

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH SURVEY

The Board of Education continues to seek input regarding the next superintendent. The survey is open through February 15 (extended from the 11th). You can keep up to date by following on our website here.

Please encourage students to participate in the survey. The board of education wants to hear from everyone.