Superintendent: literacy up 3 percentage points; district plans school-based clinician and stronger communications

The Gloversville City School District superintendent closed the 2025-26 school year on an optimistic note, pointing to improved attendance and a 3 percentage-point increase in literacy for students in grades 3 through 8.

"3% is something to celebrate," the superintendent said, while noting the district's target is a 5-point gain. He argued that graduation-rate measures deserve broader context and emphasized tracking five- and six-year outcomes so students who return to complete credentials are counted in longer-term success metrics.

On student supports, the superintendent described a proposed agreement with a family counseling provider to house a school-based clinician at Park Terrace as part of a package of supports including added social workers, behaviorists and restorative-practices training for staff. The district said the placement is intended to support continuity of services after consolidating special programming at Park Terrace and that an October 21 follow-up meeting with impacted staff is scheduled to address concerns and implementation details.

The superintendent also said the district halted an external flyer about the annual backpack giveaway, which he said should be presented as a districtwide initiative; he indicated the Glover Educational Foundation may lead outreach in limited circumstances. He urged clearer communication to reduce "misinformation being propagated in the community" about special-education placements and transportation changes.

The superintendent framed the priorities for the coming year as relationships, literacy, and postsecondary planning, and said the district will continue hiring to fill open teacher positions for 2026-27.