Please see the letter below from Bob Breidenstein and Brian Schmitt of the Schmitt Leadership Group, or you can click here to view the newsletter that will be arriving in mailboxes soon.
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We are pleased to announce that the Troy City School District and the Wynantskill Union Free School District have initiated an Annexation Feasibility Study to explore the potential for district reorganization. This important study will be conducted by the Schmitt Leadership Group, LLC, in collaboration with Questar III BOCES and the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Together, these partners bring extensive expertise in school district leadership, financial and facilities analysis, and community engagement.
Purpose of the Feasibility Study
This study will provide an in-depth review of both districts to help our Boards of Education, staff, and community members make informed decisions about the future. Areas of focus will include:
- Enrollment trends and projections
- Academic and extracurricular programming
- Facilities and transportation systems
- Staffing, contracts, and financial impacts
- Tax implications and reorganization processes
- Opportunities to enhance programs and community connections
Schmitt Leadership Group will gather data, meet with staff and community members, and host Community Committee Working Groups to provide transparent updates throughout the process. The study will use these Community Groups to expedite the gathering of information and then incorporate committee work to facilitate study recommendations.
Timeline of the Study
- October 2025: Community engagement begins; districts provide background information.
- October – December 2025: Community Committee Working Groups.
- December 2025 – January 2026: Petition process to gauge support for annexation in both communities.
- January 2026: Draft report reviewed by Questar III BOCES and NYSED officials. Once NYS Department of Education approves the final study recommendations, they will be released to the communities.
- February 2026: Study presented to both Boards of Education in a joint session.
- March/April 2026: Wynantskill community vote.
This is a draft of the process that will take approximately six months and include many opportunities for community involvement along the way.
Continued Community Engagement
In-person Community Meetings are outlined below. These meetings are designed to encourage broad stakeholder participation. Larger, open, Community Committee Working Group meetings are intended to engage stakeholders and guide the study. All voices are welcome. Questions and comments are welcomed at troywufsdfeasibility@gmail.com until December 31, 2025.
The first meeting will be a welcome session hosted by the Troy City School District, where participants will have the opportunity to meet the Superintendent, Business Official, and Board of Education members, as well as hear the initial assurances and commitments from the Troy district team.
Meet the Troy City School District
October 28, 2025 – 6:00 PM | Troy Middle/High School Auditorium
Meet the Troy Board of Education and Superintendent
Topics include:
- 5-Year School Tax Reduction Initiative
- Facilities Improvement Plans & PK-8 Commitment, Modernization
- Staff Preservation Plan
- School Choices
- Includes a Student/Staff-Led High School Tour
Community Committee Working Groups – All Are Welcome!
All community members, parents, students, staff, and residents are invited to attend a series of 5 Community Committee Working Groups. Each meeting will focus on a specific topic and include presentations, data sharing, and opportunities for questions and feedback.
Please note: The dates and topics listed below, and discussions will prioritize the scheduled topics for each evening. Other questions or ideas can be shared or directed to the consultants via email or through the surveys that will be distributed later in the process.
November 5, 2025 – 7:00 PM | Troy Middle/High School Auditorium
(1976 Burdett Ave, Troy, NY 12180)
Topic: Tax Levy Implications
November 6, 2025 – 5:15 PM, 6:00 PM & 7:00 PM | Wynantskill UFSD Gymnasium
(25 East Avenue, Troy, NY 12180)
5:15 PM – WUFSD Student/Staff-Led Building Tour
6:00 PM – Facility Planning and Condition Survey
7:00 PM – High School Choice, Historical Trends, and Demographics
December 2, 2025 – 6:00 PM & 7:00 PM | Questar III BOCES
(10 Empire State Blvd, Castleton-On-Hudson, NY 12033)
6:00 PM – Transportation, Food Service, Governance & Policy Integration
7:00 PM – Instructional Programming
Presentation of Findings & Next Steps
December 17, 2025 – 6:00 PM | Troy BOE Meeting (1976 Burdett Ave, Troy, NY 12180)
December 18, 2025 – 7:00 PM | Wynantskill BOE Meeting (25 East Avenue, Troy, NY 12180)
Presentation of findings to both Boards of Education on community feedback sessions.
Please note: These are the dates we have confirmed currently. As we move through the data and process, additional small or large group meetings may be added and will be posted as they are scheduled.
Join the Conversation
Your voice matters! The meetings are designed to ensure transparency, build understanding, and incorporate all perspectives throughout the process. We encourage all members of both communities to attend, ask questions, and share feedback. Questions and suggestions can also be submitted to troywufsdfeasibility@gmail.com until December 31, 2025.
In addition to in-person opportunities, community surveys will occur at later dates to gather additional feedback from those unable to attend meetings in person.
For background information, posted materials, and updates after every Community Committee Working Group meeting, please visit the Feasibility Study webpage at https://www.questar.org/feasibility
Together, we will ensure this process reflects the values and priorities of both communities as we plan for the future of our students.
Warm regards,
Bob Breidenstein Brian Schmitt
Lead Consultant Consultant
Schmitt Leadership Group Schmitt Leadership Group