Scotia-Glenville residents press board to fix declining athletics; board adopts athletic council charter with corrections

At a Scotia-Glenville Central School District Board of Education meeting, residents repeatedly pressed the board and superintendent to take immediate steps to reverse what they described as a rapid decline in the district's athletic programs and to provide clearer accountability and timelines.

Several speakers said problems include poor communication with families, high turnover among coaches, late coaching appointments, inconsistent continuity between youth and high school programs, and uneven follow-through on prior community recommendations. Carl DeCesare, a longtime resident, told the board the community needs "leadership, vision, and accountability," not another committee to study issues already identified.

Why it matters: Community speakers said athletics affect student engagement, college opportunities and local pride. Multiple parents and former athletes said weak programming has ripple effects on school spirit and local commerce and that families are deciding whether to remain in the district based on…