Reminder for high school families with a 2025 graduate: the GD senior walkthrough will be held on June 13th at 10:00 am! See details below:
Author Archive: Kyle Barber
June 2025 High School Exam Bus Schedule
Please see the attached file for the Wynantskill Union Free School District June 2025 High School Exam Bus Schedule. Please reach out with any questions. Thank you!
Proposed 2025-26 Safety Plan is Now Available
The Wynantskill UFSD’s proposed 2025-26 district-wide safety plan is now available to review. Please direct any questions, comments or concerns to District Clerk Kyle Barber at kbarber@wynantskillufsd.org.
Please Take This Survey!
2025-26 Budget Vote Passes
The Wynantskill Union Free School District is pleased to announce that the proposed 2025-26 school budget was approved by voters on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, with a vote of 164 in favor and 45 against. The approved budget totals $11,317,782, ensuring the continuation of our commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Despite facing significant funding reductions due to state-level budget cuts, the district remains dedicated to preserving high-quality academic and extracurricular programs, retaining valuable staff, and investing in resources that directly benefit student learning and well-being.
Superintendent Dr. Yodis expressed gratitude following the vote:
“On behalf of the entire district, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our community for your continued support and for approving next year’s school budget. Your vote of confidence ensures we can maintain our quality programs, support our dedicated staff, and provide the resources our students need to thrive. We are so grateful for your partnership and commitment to the success of every child in the Wynantskill Union Free School District. THANK YOU!”
In addition to the budget, voters approved a proposition to purchase a new school bus, enhancing the safety and reliability of student transportation.
The district also congratulates Cathleen Castle, who was re-elected to the Board of Education, and Jennie Brown, who was elected to her first term. We thank both individuals for their commitment to public service and support of our schools.
We are excited to move forward with the important work of educating and supporting every student in our district. Thank you, Wynantskill community!
Optimization Study Community Conversations – May 22nd 5:00 & 6:00 pm

May 20th Community Events!
SO MUCH happening on May 20th! |

Snow Day Giveback Days
- Friday, May 23 – No School
- Monday, May 26 – No School
- Tuesday, May 27 – No School
- Wednesday, May 28 – School in Session (ValleyCats Field Trip)
Budget Hearing – May 13th 2025 7:00pm
Notice Is Hereby Given that a public hearing of the qualified voters of the Wynantskill Union Free School District, Rensselaer County, Wynantskill New York, will be held in the Gardner-Dickinson School in said District, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time, for the presentation of the budget document.
And Further Notice Is Hereby Given that said vote and election will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, in the Gardner-Dickinson School at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting machine upon the following items:
- To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2025-2026 and to
authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of
the District.
- To elect two (2) members of the Board of Education. Both are three (3) year terms commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028.
Kyle Barber, District Clerk
Wynantskill Union Free School District
April 2025 Optimization Study Update
To view continous updates regarding the ongoing Optimization Study, visit our web page here: https://www.wynantskillufsd.org/optimization-study/
April 2025: Dear Gardner-Dickinson School Community,
We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to provide an update regarding the progress with the district’s optimization study. The Schmitt Leadership Group continues to work on the study and anticipates it will conclude in the summer. The Board of Education will receive a preliminary report in July 2025, and the completed study will soon follow. The final report will be presented in a public forum at a date to be determined after the August Board of Education meeting.
The primary purpose of this optimization study is to conduct a thorough assessment of the views and insights from various stakeholders, including the Board of Education, superintendent, principal, faculty, staff, students, family members and community members. By gathering data and reviewing stakeholder perspectives, the district will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of our district. This study will inform and position our district to create the best future for the Wynantskill UFSD.
Each action of the optimization study reviews current data and gains stakeholder perceptions, so all views are represented in future discussions. The Schmitt Leadership Group reviewed current enrollment trends, enrollment data, financial data, and prior programming decisions to develop a complete and inclusive perspective. To date, the study has offered or will offer the following opportunities to gather information, review data, and gain stakeholder perceptions:
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March 2025: Interviewed all students in grades 7&8 – over 60 participants
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March & April 2025: Stakeholder interview sessions with admin/faculty/staff, and initial in-person conversations with families -over 100 participants
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April 2025: Preliminary consolidation aid run analysis
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*May 2025: Community-wide Electronic Survey to be Launched- May 15th
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May 2025: Community-wide Member Forum Discussions- May 22nd @ 5pm and 6pm
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June 2025: Review completed for bargaining unit, transportation, tuition contracts and survey analysis
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June 2025: Review district finances and enrollment data
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June/July 2025: Public presentation and discussion
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July/August 2025: Optimization Study report provided
*Survey coming soon…
Beginning on May 15th, all district-wide community members will have the opportunity to provide feedback through an electronic survey. The survey will be launched with instructions in the budget newsletter for community members. The purpose of this survey is to dive deeper into community perceptions and to incorporate all views and visions for the future of the district.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our district. We look forward to working with you throughout this process and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient and innovative educational environment for all students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Yodis and the Wynantskill Board of Education