Reimagining Our Schools

 

 

 

RoS Timeline – Four-school to a Three-school elementary model

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Reimagining Our Schools: 3/23/26 Board Meeting Update

Following Monday night’s (3/23/26) Board of Education meeting, we are providing a summary of several key topics regarding the “Reimagining Our Schools” transition. We are currently working through the Late March 2026 phase, with staffing assignments underway and placement letters being delivered to staff. 

1. Staffing Reductions and Instructional Impact

There have been expressed concerns regarding the loss of both instructional and non-instructional staff. The transition plan includes a total reduction of 19.00 instructional positions and 13.61 non-instructional positions.

  • Reading Position: A specific concern was raised regarding the reduction of a reading teacher. Despite this reduction to staff, the district has ensured that every student identified for reading support will continue to be provided with that opportunity.
  • Non-Instructional Cuts: Reductions include positions such as a nurse, mechanic, custodians, monitors, and secretarial staff primarily linked to the Glen-Worden closure.
  • Placement Status: Several positions, including one principal position (1.0 FTE), three elementary teacher positions (3.0 FTE total), and one reading teacher position (1.0 FTE), have been placed on the Preferred Eligibility List (PEL) within their certification areas. In addition, staff members representing 4.0 FTE in positions being eliminated will be reassigned within the district.

2. Balanced Reductions Across Levels

Data from the last three years shows that staffing reductions have been distributed evenly across both elementary and secondary levels, with a total reduction of 11.1 FTE positions in grades K-5 and 10.5 FTE positions in grades 6-12.

Level 3-Year Total Reductions (Approx.)
Elementary (GR K-5) -11.1 FTE
Secondary (GR 6-12) -10.5 FTE 

Administrative Reductions: Superintendent Swartz noted that administrative positions have been reduced proportionately. When she began at Scotia-Glenville, there were 20 administrators; the district is now down to 17. A 1.0 FTE administrator was reduced for the 2025-26 school year, and another will be reduced for 2026-27.

3. Student Placement and Rezoning

Next week, all currently enrolled K-4 students will receive a letter in the mail and via ParentSquare, informing them of their 2026-27 elementary school placement based on the Transpar elementary rezoning.

  • Transfer Requests: Families who would like to request placement at a different  Scotia-Glenville elementary school may do so starting April 1 and received no later than April 13. Instructions for making these requests will be in the placement letter referenced above.

4. Emotional Wellbeing and Support

We recognize that upcoming school placements may be emotional for students and families. We have the following supports in place:

  • For Students: Ms. Cubano, the Glen-Worden social worker, is scheduling classroom visits to speak with students about navigating change and transitioning to new buildings.
  • For Parents: District administration is coordinating an in person meeting with Jennifer L. Bashant, Ph.D., LMSW, MA, founder of Building Better Futures LLC, to help parents guide their children through this transition. A description of this series will be provided in advance.
  • Resources: Parents can access support information compiled by Ms. Cubano and Mrs. Polikoski at this ParentSquare link.

Key Transition Phases

  • February 2026: Formal vote and announcement of the closure of Glen-Worden Elementary.
  • [Change in date] Late March – Early April 2026: Release of new attendance boundaries and redistricting maps to families. Letters identifying current students’ placements will be sent home the week of March 30th for every elementary student regardless of current school of attendance. 
  • April – May 2026: Finalization of staffing assignments based on district-wide seniority.
  • June 2026: Community celebrations to honor the legacy of Glen-Worden Elementary.
  • [Change in date] Summer 2026: “Meet the Principal” events and tours for students at their assigned buildings.
  • September 1, 2026: Official opening of the 2026-27 school year under the three-school configuration.

Scotia-Glenville Central School District Announces Transition Timeline for Elementary Consolidation

Following the Board of Education’s decision to move from a four-school to a three-school elementary model, the Scotia-Glenville Central School District released a formal timeline to guide staff, students, and the community through the closure of Glen-Worden Elementary and the transition into the 2026-2027 school year. This timeline was presented by Superintendent Swartz at the February 23rd Board meeting.

This strategic “Reimagining Our Schools” initiative addresses a $2.8 million budget gap and declining enrollment, ensuring that the district can maintain equitable class sizes and preserve essential programs, such as Co-Teach and Special Education, across the remaining three buildings.

Key Transition Milestones:

  • February 2026: Formal vote and announcement of the closure of Glen-Worden Elementary.
  • Late February – March 2026: Release of new attendance boundaries and redistricting maps to families. Letters identifying students’ placements will be sent home the week of March 30 for every elementary student regardless of current school of attendance.
  • April – May 2026: Finalization of staffing assignments. Under district seniority rules, staff reductions are determined by district-wide longevity rather than building placement to ensure continuity of experienced educators.
  • Spring 2026: Student transition activities, including “Meet the Principal” events and tours of new school buildings for Glen-Worden students and those affected by boundary changes.
  • June 2026: Glen-Worden Elementary concludes its final year as a K-5 building with community celebrations to honor the school’s legacy.
  • Summer 2026: Orientation events for students and staff at 3 elementary buildings. 
  • September 1, 2026: Official opening of the 2026-2027 school year under the new three-school elementary configuration.

“While the decision to close Glen-Worden is a heavy one, it is a necessary step to protect the long-term health of our academic programs,” said Superintendent Susan Swartz. “Our focus now is on a seamless transition that supports every student and staff member as we move toward a more sustainable and equitable future.”

The district is committed to transparency and will share information, including bi-weekly updates, as the transition process unfolds.

Click this link for the latest newsletter out in January 2026

BOE Presentations on RoS Updates

12/22/25 BOE Presentation Click here

01/12/26 BOE Presentation Click Here

01/29/26 BOE Presentation Click Here

02/09/26 BOE Presentation Click Here

02/23/26 BOE Presentation Click Here

📁 RoS Progress Update – Feb 9, 26:

📁 RoS Progress Update – Dec 2025:

Work Groups for Reimagining Our Schools

Each Work Group will play a crucial role in guiding our district through this transformative period.

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        Scotia-Glenville Central School District Overview

        The Scotia-Glenville Central School District comprises six schools: four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, and as of March 2025, caters to a total of 2,360 students, which includes:

        • 2,114 on-campus students
        • 113 homeschool students
        • 54 out-of-district students
        • 79 nonpublic/parochial students

        A collaborative path forward

        Considering the ongoing challenges posed by declining enrollment and fiscal constraints, the district is at a pivotal moment where rethinking our educational institutions is not just a choice but a necessity. The Reimagining Our Schools Committee (ROSC) is set to shape the future of Scotia-Glenville’s elementary schools. This initiative is being undertaken to address these pressing issues, ensuring that our schools can continue to provide quality education while remaining financially viable. Our community will collaborate to examine a new school arrangement, considering options such as repurposing, closure, or a solution that the majority can support – with a target date of March 1.

        The district understands that change can be difficult, but it is with careful consideration and a commitment to our students’ futures that we embark on this journey. This initiative is about exploring innovative solutions and creating a sustainable framework for our schools.

        Join us in this important endeavor. Your insights and participation are invaluable as we navigate these decisions together. Let us come together to learn, discuss, and shape the future of our educational community.

      📁 Click here for Goals & Objectives:

       

        📁 Click here for Supplemental Resources:

         

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