Superintendent’s Update 10/03/22

YMCA Project
As you may know, DCS began collaborating with Schenectady County Officials late last year with the common goal of reopening the YMCA facility to our students and the community once again. As we have considered this, it has become apparent that the costs of the long term operations of this type of facility are best taken on by a different type of entity with greater and more flexible resources.  The district has continued to advocate for mutually beneficial scenarios, and believes that one has emerged, however we are not able to report specifics at this time. The district still believes that it will be able to achieve its goals of using the facility to expand the district’s successful UPK program and increase athletic resources available for its students with no negative impact to tax payers. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting venture!

Centennial Capital Project
Our next Capital Project will be up for a community vote on December 8 in the Jr/Sr High School Library from 1 PM-9 PM. If you would like to walk through some of the scope of this project, please meet me at 6 PM on October 6 at the main entrance to the Jr/Sr High School. There will be a public hearing about the project on November 15 (before our BOE meeting) in the Joe Bena Hall.

Mark Your Calendars
Please note that 1/27/23 is now a PK-12 half day. Also, the Friday before Memorial Day, May 26, will be a PK-12 holiday if we have not used more than two emergency school closure days.

Transportation Needs
DCS is looking for additional bus drivers to reduce route times for our students and help meet all of our transportation needs for our student athletes. Bus drivers start at $20/hr. with free training, state retirement and excellent benefits–more than that, they provide a critical service to the children of this community. Please contact Assistant Superintendent of Management Services Jeff Rivenburg today if you would like to learn more.

Duanesburg Hall of Fame
Thanks to those of you who have given me information on our DCS Hall of Famers. I encourage all of you to consider nominating successful graduates (even yourselves) who have demonstrated the great things DCS graduates are capable of doing. Current Hall of Famers include successful business people, military leaders, doctors, bestselling writers, educators, and selfless community servants. Nominate a graduate using this form. We would really like to honor new Hall of Famers from 1995 through 2015 at our next ceremony.

Best,
Jim Niedermeier, Ed.D.
Superintendent