Capital Region BOCES drafts regionalization plan for 24 school districts

The Niskayuna Central School District Board of Education convened on August 12, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives, with a primary focus on regionalization efforts aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and operational efficiency across the district.

During the meeting, board members reviewed a draft regionalization plan developed by Capital Region BOCES, which encompasses 24 districts. This plan is a response to the state's requirement for schools to collaborate regionally following the full funding of foundation aid. The board is set to examine the final draft of this plan in September, after gathering feedback from each district. Key priorities outlined in the plan include improving special education services, expanding shared services like universal pre-kindergarten, and enhancing professional development for educators.

The board emphasized that participation in these initiatives is optional and aims to maximize taxpayer dollars while creating more opportunities for students. Superintendent Lauren Gemmell and her team have been actively collecting feedback to ensure the plan meets the needs of the districts involved.

In addition to the regionalization discussion, the board announced a new liaison structure to improve communication with community groups. Instead of attending every meeting, board members will commit to three key meetings each year, allowing for more efficient use of their time while remaining accessible to stakeholders.

The meeting also included a public hearing on the district-wide safety plan, which has been available for public review for over 30 days. The board plans to adopt this safety plan, which includes provisions for appointing a School Resource Officer at the high school, pending board approval.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's commitment to collaboration and community engagement, as well as its proactive approach to enhancing educational services and ensuring safety within schools. The board looks forward to finalizing the regionalization plan and continuing to foster partnerships that benefit students and the community.