District launches Freshman Academy and boosts student support initiatives in new academic year

The Schenectady City School District Board of Education meeting on July 8, 2025, highlighted several key initiatives aimed at enhancing student support and educational outcomes. The meeting focused on ongoing programs, new developments, and areas for improvement within the district.

One of the most significant discussions centered on a family event held on June 12, which aimed to support parents of students with disabilities. The event emphasized the importance of oral language development and literacy, providing families with books and materials to use at home. This initiative reflects the district's commitment to fostering collaboration between families and educational staff.

Additionally, the district is working to ensure continuity in early education through partnerships with community organizations. Jess Valerte, the assistant director for pre-kindergarten, is leading efforts to align the curriculum between community-based pre-kindergarten programs and the district's own programs, ensuring that students are well-prepared for kindergarten.

The meeting also addressed the district's work-based learning initiatives, led by Dave Preston, who is collaborating with local businesses to create internship opportunities for students. This effort aims to enhance college and career readiness by providing real-life experiences.

In terms of academic performance, the district reported a 3% growth in New York State math assessments from the previous year. The implementation of the I-Ready program has shown promising results, with significant improvements in student proficiency in both math and reading.

However, challenges remain. Concerns were raised about the district's proficiency rates, which remain low, and the need to address chronic absenteeism, currently at 50%. Board members emphasized the importance of transparency regarding what is and isn’t working within the district's initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of communication and collaboration among staff, families, and the community. As the district prepares for the upcoming school year, the emphasis will be on leveraging data to inform decisions and improve educational outcomes for all students. The board expressed optimism about the new Freshman Academy and other initiatives, while acknowledging the ongoing work needed to achieve the district's goals.