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Schools report gains; foundation warns of funding losses as programs and scholarships continue
Summary
School principals and the Albany Public School Foundation presented progress on literacy, math and attendance goals, plus foundation grants and scholarships. Foundation leaders said some grant funding will lapse next year, reducing available support for enrichment and student assistance programs.
District foundations and school leaders used the meeting to showcase student and program successes while flagging funding pressures.
Peggy Burus, representing the Albany Public School Foundation, told the board the foundation awarded $72,900 in enrichment grants and $94,500 in classroom grants last year, and will distribute 150 scholarships totaling $274,000 to graduating seniors this spring. Burus said the foundation's teacher supply program (Peely’s) has expanded and has distributed roughly $42,362 in classroom and school supplies since it opened district‑wide.
"We've given out $42,362 in classroom and school supplies," Burus said, describing supply drives, business partnerships and volunteer support that sustain the effort. She warned that some donor and grant funding will decline next year and said the foundation will need to seek additional support to maintain current programs.
Principals from Lafayette and Waverly elementary schools reported targeted interventions and curriculum changes tied to modest proficiency gains. Lafayette Principal Jamie Shep said winter I‑Ready diagnostics show growth in most grades and outlined plans to raise reading proficiency from about 55% to 60% by June with small‑group instruction and professional development.
"We're really working to align what small‑group instruction looks like," Shep said, describing science‑of‑reading coaching and tiered supports.
Waverly Principal Tabitha Cornelson described large enrollment churn but said data snapshots show a reduction in students multiple grade levels behind and improvements in regular attendance as part of an attendance pilot program.
Albany Options School principal Mark Hannon highlighted increased attendance after a home‑visit and student check‑in effort led by Mr. John Hunter; Hannon said attendance for the high‑school program rose from about 77% to roughly 82% over the reporting period once GED students were analyzed separately because their schedules differ.
"We've seen a 5% increase in attendance that has had meaningful impacts on student outcomes," Hannon said, noting home visits, individual meetings and outreach as drivers.
Board members thanked presenters and recognized the foundation’s role in supplementing district resources. Several board members said they were encouraged by the schools’ approaches to interventions but acknowledged continued work is needed to meet targets.
Next steps: Foundation will continue fundraising efforts and notify the board about funding gaps; principals will continue to report progress on I‑Ready diagnostics, attendance pilots and intervention adjustments.
