Schodack CSD joined nine other Capital Region school districts on Jan. 30 for a Forum on the Sustainability of Schools at Columbia High School, where state legislators heard concerns from school districts that have received the minimum in Foundation Aid from the state in recent years.
Superintendent Jason Chevrier spoke at the forum, highlighting the district’s successes from having one of the highest graduation rates in the Capital Region to Maple Hill High School’s National Blue Ribbon School honor.
But Mr. Chevrier also spoke of the challenges in recent years to add new opportunities for students as the district has received minimal increases in Foundation Aid, the category of state aid that supports general education programming.
“All we ask, is that we work together to find solutions to provide adequate funding to all of our schools so that all of our students can be ready for the world of tomorrow while maintaining the standards and values our communities have come to expect from their schools,” said Mr. Chevrier.
Senior Makaila Maier also spoke, providing her perspective as both a student and student representative on the Board of Education. Seniors Noah Albanese and Shannon Tacy also attended, sharing highlights of the district with an informative poster.
“As a student, there are so many things I wish I could have experienced in high school, and yet I understand. There will always be tradeoffs, and being the student representative has helped me to see just that,” said Ms. Maier. “Our goal is to maintain and sustain a diverse selection of classes, programs, and learning opportunities for us students, but it’s a challenge to do that with what we currently receive in revenue.”
Thank you to the East Greenbush CSD for hosting the event and to our state elected officials for coming out to listen to concerns of school districts.
