Superintendent outlines first-year progress, highlights student programs and warns of staffing and grant funding risks

Superintendent Dr. Cotto and district division leaders presented a broad "first-year" progress report to the Schenectady City School District Board of Education on July 9, reviewing curriculum changes, school redesign, student supports, personnel and financial considerations.

Major academic and program highlights - Freshman Leadership Academy and other high-school redesigns: District leaders described the new Simon's Freshman Leadership Academy (opening next school year) and the continuation of Big Picture and early-college pathways. The Freshman Leadership Academy was presented as a strategic, centralized ninth-grade program designed to support transition and graduation outcomes. - Curriculum and instruction: The Office of Teaching and Learning described full implementation of Ready Math (Kthrough8) and new world-language curriculum (Vista) for grades 6through12. The board heard that grading-for-equity training and a district instructional walk-through tool (Bullseye) are in regular use; new visual arts curriculum adoption was reported. - Expanded student supports: Student support services reported growth in restorative-practice specialists, attendance/engagement staff, and partnerships with behavioral health providers. The district added a substance-use counselor and increased referrals to virtual therapy platforms. - Human…