Author Archive: Kyle Barber

Please Take This Survey!

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Please take this optimization study survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wynantskillufsd
As seen in our budget newsletter:
A School District Optimization Study is a comprehensive analysis conducted to help a school district operate more efficiently, effectively, and sustainably, both educationally and financially. The Wynantskill UFSD initiated this 6-month study in January 2025 with the support of veteran school leaders, Mr. Robert Breidenstein and Dr. Brian Schmidt from The Schmitt Leadership Group, LLC. This study will review the continuum of education services provided by the district, including enrollment and educational program alignment, human resource allocations, organizational efficiency, facility utilization, student experiences, community experiences, transportation logistics, operations management, resource deployment, fiscal stewardship, and long-term sustainability. The primary purpose of this optimization study is to conduct a thorough assessment of the views and insights from various stakeholders, including the administration, faculty, staff, students, family members and community members. By gathering data and reviewing all stakeholder perspectives, the district will gain a comprehensive understanding of its current state in order to inform and position itself, creating the best future for the Wynantskill UFSD. To learn more about the study and stay up to date on its progress, visit: https://www.wynantskillufsd.org/optimization-study/

2025-26 Budget Vote Passes

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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

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As many of you may know, WUFSD is undergoing an Optimization Study that aims to evaluate and enhance the opportunities currently offered within our school district. This study will position our district to create the best future for the Wynantskill community. Mr. Breidenstein from the Schmitt Leadership Group has already been in-district, engaging students and faculty in these important conversations.
The Schmitt Leadership Group will facilitate two more opportunities for community conversations in order to provide an overview of the process and purpose of the study and, most importantly, to allow the Wynantskill community an opportunity to share their experiences, opinions, and concerns. These will be held on May 22nd at 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm in the GD cafeteria.
To learn more, click the link HERE.

May 20th Community Events!

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SO MUCH happening on May 20th!
We’re excited to invite you to a fun-filled and meaningful day at Gardner-Dickinson on Tuesday, May 20th! Make sure to mark your calendars, there’s something for everyone to participate in.
Here’s what’s happening throughout the day:
🗳️ School Budget Vote & Board of Education Election
The annual school budget vote and Board of Education election will take place in the GD Library from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Your voice matters—please come out and vote!
🎟️ Student Vote: Duct Tape a Teacher to the Wall
We can’t leave out the students – we’re launching a brand new student vote tradition this year—duct taping a teacher to the wall! Students can cast their votes in the GD Library from 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM to decide which teacher gets taped up. Students must bring an adult with them in order to vote. Be sure to watch this video to learn more about this fun event!
🎨 PTA’s “Chalk the Walk” Event | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Come celebrate creativity and positivity! Students will decorate the sidewalk in front of the school with uplifting messages and fun chalk art. During the event, families can also enjoy the playground, plus snacks and drinks provided by the PTA.
🖼️ School-Wide Art Show
Thanks to Mrs. Mitchell, the GD hallways will be transformed into an art gallery featuring artwork from every grade in the school. Take a walk through the first floor and enjoy the incredible talent and creativity of our young artists!
It’s going to be a wonderful day celebrating our students, staff, and school community. We hope to see you there!

Snow Day Giveback Days

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This winter, GD was lucky enough to need to use only one snow day. Now that snowy weather is behind us, we’re excited to officially shift the remaining unused snow days to the designated giveback dates:
  • Friday, May 23 – No School
  • Monday, May 26 – No School
  • Tuesday, May 27 – No School
  • Wednesday, May 28 – School in Session (ValleyCats Field Trip)
Enjoy the extra-long weekend, and we look forward to a fun day at the ballpark on Wednesday!

Budget Hearing – May 13th 2025 7:00pm

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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:

  1.       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.

 

  1.       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

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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:

  • March 2025: Interviewed all students in grades 7&8 – over 60 participants

  • March & April 2025: Stakeholder interview sessions with admin/faculty/staff, and initial in-person conversations with families -over 100 participants

  • April 2025: Preliminary consolidation aid run analysis

  • *May 2025: Community-wide Electronic Survey to be Launched- May 15th

  • May 2025: Community-wide Member Forum Discussions- May 22nd @ 5pm and 6pm

  • June 2025: Review completed for bargaining unit, transportation, tuition contracts and survey analysis

  • June 2025: Review district finances and enrollment data

  • June/July 2025: Public presentation and discussion

  • 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