Community Update: Reimagining Our Schools & Budget Outlook
During our Board of Education meeting on February 9, 2026, we received two critical presentations regarding the future of our elementary schools and the preliminary budget for the upcoming school year. We know the pending decision regarding school closures is a heavy one for our community, and we want to ensure you have the facts presented by our leadership team.
The “Why”: Addressing the $2.7 Million Gap
Superintendent Swartz and Business Manager, Andrew Giaquinto, presented again on the current fiscal status of the district. A copy of this presentation can be found here. Our district is facing a $2.7 million systemic budget gap. This is not a one-time issue, but a result of relatively small increases in state aid not keeping up with increased staffing wages and benefits, combined with a long-term decline in student enrollment. Our elementary buildings currently operate at only 60% capacity.
To maintain our current programs and stay within the calculated tax levy limit of 2.22%, the administration has determined that we must consolidate from four elementary buildings to three. Without this move, the district would be forced to consider a 10.18% tax levy increase, which is not a sustainable path for our taxpayers.
The Recommendation: Prioritizing Academic Continuity
On February 9, Assistant Superintendent Rick Arket and Lincoln Principal John Geniti presented a detailed analysis of our options. A copy of this presentation can be found here. Their recommendation centers on Glen-Worden as the building for repurposing/closure, based on the following factors:
- Staffing & Stability: Glen-Worden currently has the most “junior” staff based on seniority. Closing this building allows the district to preserve the long-standing Co-Teach and Special Education programs at Lincoln and Glendaal with the least amount of “domino effect” transfers for teachers and students.
- Class Size Equity: Currently, class sizes are imbalanced (e.g., some sections have 12 students while others have 26). Moving to a three-school model will allow us to level these out to an equitable 20–22 students per class.
- Transportation Realities: Analysis showed that closing Glendaal would result in some bus rides exceeding 100 minutes. Closing Glen-Worden keeps the longest bus runs under 93 minutes.
This presentation contains data that was used by Superintendent Swartz to recommend Glen-Worden for closure or repurposing. This recommendation was made during the January 22, 2026, discussion with Glen-Worden staff, Reimaging Our Schools community forums (presentations linked here) and formally presented to the Board on January 26, 2026.
Proposed Redistricting Plan
The Board had inquired if a complete redistricting of the elementary schools is a prudent approach. Based on the analysis including notable increased transportation time and loss of demographic equity in each school, it was determined a complete redistricting is not a viable option. Instead, the administration recommends a Strategic Redistricting approach. Instead of moving every student in the district to new zones, we would only relocate students from the closed building. This limits the number of students impacted to approximately 160–180, rather than over 400 students.
Board Vote
The board of education voted in a 5-2 measure to close Glen-Worden.
Next Steps
We recognize that Glen-Worden is more than just a building—it is a community. Working with our Reimagining Our Schools committees and administrative team, we will roll out a support plan and timeline to help our families stay connected while they build new relationships with the teachers and peers at their next school home. This plan will be available to our community.
Thank you for your continued engagement in our schools.

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
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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- 📁 Attendance Boundaries: redefining elementary school zones
- 📁 Grade Level Configurations: evaluating student needs and options
- 📁 Communications: keeping you informed on school reimagining efforts
- 📁 Human Resources & Personnel: staffing strategy for fewer elementary schools
- 📁 Staff & Student Transitions: planning for a smooth school shift
- 📁 Reimagining Uses for a School: exploring new uses for extra facilities
- 📁 Overall Reimagining our School Committee: Overview and summary of all Work Groups
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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.
📁 RoS Progress Update:
📁 Click here for Goals & Objectives:
📁 Click here for Supplemental Resources:
