Board approves new executive director position to support receivership schools

The Schenectady City School District Board of Education voted Aug. 5 to create an executive director of district improvement position to provide dedicated supervision and turnaround support for three receivership schools.

Tia Cornell, introduced to the board as the presenter of the receivership update, described the role as an "additional layer of dedicated support and supervision" for the buildings placed under receivership and said the position is intended to bring turnaround experience and operationalize improvement work across the three schools. "When we initially proposed this position, we highlighted the importance of making sure whoever came into the building had turnaround experience," Cornell said.

Board members asked how the position would be funded. A trustee pointed out the role had not been part of the district budget discussions earlier in spring; Cornell clarified the position will be covered through the state's receivership funding and a special grant tied to the designation. "Through the receivership... it's a special grant," Cornell said when asked about the expense.

After a motion and second, the board voted in favor; the motion carried. Chair called for the vote after a brief discussion confirming funding and role responsibilities. The board noted that any progress and state reporting related to receivership will be monitored through regular quarterly reports and continuation plans accepted by New York State.

The resolution authorizing the position directs district staff to implement the role and report back to the board on progress and state coordination. The motion passed by voice vote; the transcript records the motion as carried. Vote tallies by individual member were not specified in the public record of this meeting.