As I said the other night, I'm proud of Dr. Cotto. He took a risk joining me in 2021 and I feel good knowing he's the one who will take over because his values are aligned to mine. I know that he will continue the work we started and keep moving things forward.

Dr. Cotto has done amazing work and made a huge difference in our district and the school community in a very short time. Since 2021, as the Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Equity, and Engagement, Dr. Cotto has been instrumental launching and leading an array of programs and opportunities for our students and families, and building bridges with partners in our community. You can read more about Dr. Cotto and see photos from the press event here. (Daily Gazette story here)

Dr. Cotto has been part of my executive leadership team since he joined our district. I know how deeply he cares and how he feels about this community and school district. As he said in his remarks at the press event, the students are the heart of everything we do. I know that he speaks from his heart when he says that.

Dr. Cotto will officially take over as superintendent on May 1. Between now and then he will be working closely with me as he transitions into the role. With that said, my briefs will be coming to a close. We will continue to communicate with you between now and May 1, when Dr. Cotto takes the reins, but the focus will be more on what Dr. Cotto is doing, his plans and what will be coming up including updates on the district strategic plan, DEI assessments and planning, 2024-2025 Budget and capital project.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Cotto. I know he will be planning some sessions to meet with stakeholders from all corners of the community. Stay tuned for more.

While I will still be here working with Dr. Cotto, I will be fading to the background until my departure at the end of April. Dr. Cotto will be taking the superintendent's seat at the table at the next Board of Education meeting and will be at the forefront for the district moving forward. It has been a great pleasure serving all of you. I will miss Schenectady but I know you are in great hands.

I want to give a huge shout out and thank you to the Rotary Club of Schenectady, many members of the community, as well as Dr. Cotto and his team, our maintenance team and Kerri Messler, principal at Keane, and the parent liaisons who are instrumental in welcoming and engaging parents.

A ribbon cutting ceremony and unveiling of the newly renovated community room at Keane Elementary School was held on Thursday. Thanks to the Schenectady Rotary Club and many others, the family resource room is equipped with fresh paint, new furniture, a renovated kitchen with appliances, a clothing closet, food pantry, laundry facility with new washers and dryers, and more. The new community room and amenities available to district families are part of the community school model that wraps around families by providing opportunities, resources, and support outside of the classroom in ways that are needed.

The Rotary not only spearheaded fundraising efforts and led the community room project but members also volunteered at a number of school events since the start of school. Last month, they responded to a need for boys winter coats by purchasing and donating more than 40 coats.

Dr. Cotto took the lead at this event. He thanked the Rotary Club and all who made this possible. When a need was identified, the Rotary Club stepped up and sponsored the project. As Dr. Cotto noted at the ribbon cutting, this outcome clearly shows "power of partnership."

The first day after his appointment, Dr. Cotto also met with The Superintendent's Student Advisory Council to hear directly from students about what they think he should work on in his first 100 days. Watch the video to hear the Q&A with student representatives from each school.

Take a look inside the School to Work program classroom at our Center City campus. This brand new program began this school year and students in the class are thriving and focusing on developing job skills. Everybody Counts. Everybody Learns.

On Tuesday, March 5, students and staff at Schenectady High School celebrated the Chinese New Year after school. The year of the dragon celebration featured a traditional dance, arts and crafts, and Chinese food for families and students to enjoy.

MOBILE APP SUPPORT Click here to watch a short video on how to set your school and language preferences on our mobile app: hhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saNC9ek2Lqg

PREVIOUS BRIEFS: For the index of Volume 1, 2 and 3 briefs click here.