All this week we’re reflecting on 2025 and the great moments from the East Greenbush Central School District. Here’s a look back at some of the top stories from our schools over the last 12 months.
You can find more news on our News Archive page.
Columbia Girls’ Wrestler Bella Satalino Completes Undefeated Season with State Title
February 28, 2025
Columbia Kicks Cancer Raises $206,178 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
March 17, 2025
Dr. Kurtis Kotes Named Next Superintendent of Schools
April 24, 2025
East Greenbush CSD Voted Best School District in the Capital Region
May 16, 2025
For the fourth year in a row, the East Greenbush Central School District was voted Best School District in the Times Union Best of the Capital Region contest.
Columbia Hosts Mock DWI Event Ahead of Prom Season
May 8, 2025
As prom season and celebratory end of year events approach, Columbia High School students had a firsthand look at the tragic consequences of driving while impaired during a Mock DWI event on Thursday morning on the school campus. All Columbia seniors and juniors attended the event which featured a simulated car crash with students acting as the victims and the individual who caused the accident.
East Greenbush CSD Voters Approve School Budget with Supermajority
May 20, 2025
East Greenbush CSD voters approved the proposed school budget for 2025-26 by a supermajority, as well as the three other propositions on the ballot with the highest voter turnout since 2011 (excluding mail in vote of 2020).
Veteran Abe Seeberger Receives Diploma from Columbia High School
June 26, 2025
Veteran Abram “Abe” Seeberger, dressed in a Columbia blue cap and gown, received his high school diploma at the Melvin Roads American Legion in East Greenbush as a part of Operation Recognition. Mr. Seeberger, born in 1936, attended the East Greenbush Central School District but left before graduating when he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to South Korea in 1955.
Congratulations to the Columbia High School Class of 2025!
June 30, 2025
Board of Education Adopts Personal Electronic Policy to Comply with Statewide Ban of Cell Phones in Schools
July 15, 2025
The Board of Education unanimously approved the Students and Personal Electronic Devices Policy at a public meeting in July that banned smart phones and smart watches in all schools. The policy complies with the state’s new law that bans student internet-enabled devices in all K-12 schools.
Holly Thorpe ’26 Elected as First Student to Ever Serve on East Greenbush Board of Education
August 4, 2025
Holly Thorpe ’26 was unanimously elected as an ex officio member of the East Greenbush Central School District Board of Education this summer. Ms. Thorpe, who is a senior at Columbia High School, is the first student to ever serve on the district’s school board.
East Greenbush CSD Hosts Strategic Planning Community Meeting
August 6, 2025
More than 40 members of the East Greenbush Central School District – including teachers, staff, students, parents, school board members and community partners – gathered at Howard L. Goff Middle School for a Strategic Planning Community Meeting. The meeting was part of the district’s strategic planning process and allowed stakeholders the opportunity to review survey data, offer feedback on draft mission, vision and core values, and brainstorm goals in three different areas of strategic priorities.
Columbia Opens New Tennis and Basketball Courts
August 15, 2025
The East Greenbush Central School District officially opened its new tennis courts and basketball courts on the Columbia High School campus with a ribbon cutting ceremony in August. Columbia tennis players Holly Thorpe ’26 and William Bollam ’27 cut the ribbon with teammates, school staff, families and school board members in attendance.
A Buzz-Worthy Project: DPS Builds New Pollinator Garden
September 19, 2025
Donald P. Sutherland Elementary School is buzzing with excitement over its new pollinator garden, a collaborative project that brought together students, staff, parents, and community partners. The garden, located in the bus bay, provides a home for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while also serving as a new outdoor learning space.
School Bus Safety Update: Illegal Passing of School Buses on the Decline
October 28, 2025
In an effort to improve school bus safety, the East Greenbush Central School District added Stop Arm Cameras to its entire fleet of buses in Spring 2023. Since that time, more than 3,300 tickets have been issued to motorists for illegally passing school buses. While the high volume of violations highlights a persistent public safety concern in the community, the district is encouraged by one key trend: the number of monthly tickets has been declining over time.
Five East Greenbush CSD Schools Selected to U.S. News & World Report Best Schools
November 6, 2025
The East Greenbush Central School District is proud to announce that five of its schools have earned recognition in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Schools rankings.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Begins Journey to NYC with Heartwarming Stop at Genet
November 8, 2025
The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree officially began its 130-mile journey to New York City in East Greenbush, making a special celebratory stop in front of Genet Elementary School. Students, teachers, and staff gathered on the front lawn of Genet to cheer on the majestic 75-foot Norway Spruce as it passed through the town that has been its home for more than 60 years.
Superintendent Goes the Extra Mile: Earns School Bus Driver License and Completes First Morning Trip with Students
December 9, 2025
In a show of solidarity, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kurtis Kotes got behind the wheel of a full-size yellow school bus and successfully completed his first official school bus route. Dr. Kotes earned his CDL Class B license this fall as a way to boost morale and demonstrate his deep respect for the district’s Transportation Department.
East Greenbush CSD Delivers Joy with Adopt-a-Family Program
December 16, 2025