Category Archives: Uncategorized

Joint Board of Education Meeting with Troy CSD – August 13th @ 7:00 pm

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Dear Wynantskill Community,

As you know, Wynantskill UFSD recently completed an Optimization Study that engaged hundreds of students, families, staff, and community members. The study affirmed the many strengths of our district while also identifying fiscal challenges and limited opportunities that come with our small size. One of the study’s key recommendations was to explore a potential partnership with Troy CSD through a formal Reorganization Feasibility Study.

To consider this important next step, the Wynantskill UFSD Board of Education will join the Troy City School District Board of Education for a Joint Board Meeting on:

Wednesday, August 13, 2025
7:00 p.m.
Troy Middle/High School Auditorium, 1950 Burdett Avenue, Troy, NY

At this meeting, Mr. David Elliott from the New York State Education Department will present information on the process and scope of the approximate six-month study, which would begin this fall and examine:

  • Projected enrollments and staffing for both districts 
  • Educational program offerings and curriculum alignment 
  • Transportation and facility considerations 
  • Fiscal impacts, including state aid, expenditures, and potential local tax implications

Following the presentation and discussion, both Boards of Education will vote on whether to formally enter into the joint feasibility study. This is not a vote on merging districts at this time, but a vote to study the possibilities, opportunities, and challenges in detail, with full transparency and community engagement.

We encourage all community members to attend, learn more about the process, and hear directly from both Boards of Education as we consider this important decision for our students and our future. Information gathered from the meeting will be posted and available as soon as possible afterward.

Please see the agenda for the August 13th meeting by clicking here: https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/wynantskillufsd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DKAHGX487FEE

Thank you for your continued support of our school and our community. Your feedback is vital, and we will be planning additional opportunities in the coming months for stakeholders to share their thoughts, ask questions, and stay engaged in this process.

Sincerely,

Wynantskill Union Free School District Board of Education

GD’s “Cell Hotels” Featured on News10!

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GD’s new “Cell Hotels” were recently featured on News10! To view the full article, click here: https://www.news10.com/news/a-local-school-in-the-wynantskill-district-takes-a-creative-approach-to-the-no-cell-phone-ban-in-the-new-york-school-districts/

Thank you to News10 for featuring our Cell Hotels, which will be newly implemented this year in accordance with a new NYS law banning cell phones during the school day. You can view more information about the ban, our policy, and FAQs by clicking here: https://www.wynantskillufsd.org/distraction-free-school-policy-nys-cell-phone-ban-information/

2025-26 Free School Meals Information – What You Need to Know!

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Dear Gardner-Dickinson Families,

As you may have heard, all students will now receive free breakfast and lunch every day, thanks to New York State’s Universal School Meals program.

What’s included?
Each student is entitled to:

  • One complete breakfast, and

  • One complete lunch per school day – at no cost!

A “complete meal” must include required food groups (such as a fruit or vegetable), following federal guidelines.

**Additional snacks or second meals are not included and may still be charged to the student’s account.**

Please Still Fill Out the Free/Reduced Meal Application!
Even though meals are free for everyone, we kindly ask every family to complete the Household Income Eligibility Form.

Why?

  • It helps our school qualify for important state and federal funding.

  • It may help your family access other benefits, like reduced fees for tests, college applications, internet discounts, and more.

Filling out the form takes just a few minutes and helps support ALL students in our school.

Click here to access the form

Questions? Email Food Services Director Lori Audi at LAudi@wynantskillufsd.org

Distraction-Free Learning – NYS Cell Phone Ban Information!

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In response to the New York State cell phone ban within schools, the Wynantskill Union Free School District is implementing a new distraction-free policy. This initiative aims to foster an environment where students can focus on their studies without the interruptions caused by mobile devices. By aligning with state regulations, we are committed to enhancing educational outcomes and ensuring that our students have the best possible learning experience.

Our policy prohibits the use of cell phones during school hours, encouraging students to engage more fully with their educational activities. This change is designed to reduce distractions, promote better classroom engagement, and improve overall academic performance. We believe that by minimizing interruptions, we can create a more conducive learning environment for all students.

Please view the webpage below for more information and FAQs!

Distraction-Free School Policy: NYS Cell Phone Ban Information

We Need Your Help – Now Hiring Bus Drivers!

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We need your help. Our district is currently facing a shortage of school bus drivers. While we continue to post positions and conduct interviews, we have not yet been able to staff our transportation team fully, and without filling these roles, we cannot guarantee consistent, safe transportation for all of our students.

We’re asking our GD families to consider whether someone in your circle, a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or neighbor, might be interested in becoming a school bus driver.

Here’s what we’re offering:

  • Minimum starting pay of $25/hour

  • Paid training available

  • A flexible part-time schedule (approximately 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon)

  • Sign-on bonus for new drivers

This is a great opportunity for anyone looking for meaningful part-time work that directly supports the students and families of our community. Whether someone is retired, looking for a new routine, or just wants to make a difference, we welcome your application.

If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Kyle Barber at kbarber@wynantskillufsd.org or visit our website for more information and to apply.

Full Optimization Study Report

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Wynantskill Community,

We have important and exciting news to share.

At the July 1st Board of Education meeting, the board accepted the final analysis and written report from the Optimization Study conducted by the Schmitt Leadership Group. Mr. Bob Breidenstein was present to present the findings and recommended that the district pursue a Reorganization Feasibility Study with the Troy City School District, pending mutual agreement from both school boards.

If initiated, this Feasibility Study would conduct a thorough analysis of both districts’ projected enrollments and staffing plans, educational program offerings, curriculum, transportation, and the potential fiscal impacts of reorganization, including state aid, expenditures, and local tax implications.

The purpose of the Reorganization Feasibility Study is to ensure student-centered decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and a firm commitment to preserving Wynantskill’s unique identity and educational philosophy, all while maintaining full transparency and trust with our community.

Attached are the PowerPoint slides from Mr. Breidenstein’s presentation, along with the complete report and appendices, which include all survey responses.

We will continue to keep you informed of any next steps regarding this potential study.

Wynantskill UFSD final optimization report at Reorganization Meeting 7.1.2025

7.1.2025 Final District Report-Wynantskill UFSD Optimization Study