Superintendent briefs board on calendar change, state budget uncertainty and Title IX guidance

The Fort Edward Union Free School District superintendent reported several operational items at the April 7 board meeting, including a proposed schedule change to return one unused snow day, an update on the state budget, and guidance to maintain existing practices until official federal or state directives are issued.

The superintendent said the district has one unused snow day to return and recommended the make‑up day be scheduled on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend (described in the meeting as "the 23rd"). He said scheduling that Friday as a day off would shift the high‑school fun day and related events by one day and that the administration will publish public notice once the calendar is formally adjusted.

On finance, the superintendent said there was still no final state budget and that many discussions in Albany remain tied to non‑education policy items. He cautioned the board that districts are “at the mercy” of state decisions and said the district will proceed with the adopted budget and current plans until the state provides official direction.

Regarding federal guidance, the superintendent said school districts have been monitoring proposed initiatives (he referenced Title IX-related discussions) but recommended continuing current local practices “until there’s official documentation” requiring changes.

The superintendent closed his report by asking the board to consider the calendar change now to avoid moving events later in the year when Regents exams and other end‑of‑year obligations make scheduling more difficult.