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Meetings are scheduled today in Schenectady to discuss the future of two struggling schools, Pleasant Valley Elementary and Lincoln Elementary. Both schools have been placed under receivership by the New York State Department of Education due to poor student performance. The first meeting will take place at Pleasant Valley Elementary School at 4:30 p.m., followed by a second meeting at Lincoln Elementary School at 5:15 p.m.
Receivership is a state designation that grants the superintendent enhanced authority to manage and operate schools in order to improve student performance. According to the Schenectady City School District, schools under receivership receive targeted technical assistance and financial support to facilitate turnaround efforts. The goal is to achieve demonstrable improvement in performance indicators such as academic achievement, attendance, and graduation rates.
Pleasant Valley and Lincoln Elementary Schools join William C. Keane Elementary School, which has been in receivership since 2021. The state requires schools in receivership to hold public hearings to discuss their performance and gather input from parents, staff, and community members. The Times Union reports that Schenectady's schools have struggled with low test scores and attendance, prompting the state to intervene.
Superintendent Carlos M. Cotto will oversee the improvement plans for these schools, which may include extending school hours, increasing teacher salaries, and focusing on building a positive school culture. The state provides a $200,000 annual grant to schools in receivership to support these initiatives.
The meetings today aim to provide transparency about the schools' progress and the receivership process. Community members are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussions. The Schenectady City School District will also offer a livestream of the meetings for those unable to attend in person.