The East Greenbush CSD hosted a Legislative Open House on January 22 with a tour of three district schools (L to R): Social Studies Teacher Dan Wagner, Board Members Rob Panasci and Kim Turner, Director of Business and Finance Jen Mulligan, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, NYS Senator Jake Ashby, Rensselaer County Legislator Tom Grant, Representative from Congressman Josh Riley’s Office Max Dydynski, Town of East Greenbush Supervisor Jack Conway, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kurtis Kotes.
Local, state, and federal lawmakers visited the East Greenbush Central School District on Thursday morning for a special Legislative Open House, getting a firsthand look at how government funding is directly supporting student achievement, innovation, and safety across the district.
The event began with a breakfast and presentation at Central Administration. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kurtis Kotes and district administrators provided an overview of the district and expressed gratitude for the continued support from elected officials. The gathering served as an opportunity to bridge the gap between policy and practice, demonstrating the tangible impact of legislative aid on public education.
Following the breakfast, the delegation visited three schools in the district so legislators could observe key programs that have benefited from local, state and federal support.
Universal Pre-K
The tour began with legislators visiting the pre-k classroom in Genet Elementary School. Guests observed the district’s youngest learners in action as they practiced a phonics lesson through the district’s reading program Heggerty. Administrators highlighted how initial federal funding helped launch the program in 2021, while subsequent state funding has allowed for expansion.
The district was also honored to welcome Dr. Gladys Cruz, District Superintendent for Questar III Boces, who is also a key partner in administering the Universal Pre-K program.
The full day pre-k program currently serves 165 students in 10 classrooms at no cost to families.
Science Research Program
As a special touch, Dr. Kotes drove the school bus to transport the delegation from Genet to Columbia High School. Legislators met Science Teacher and Director of the Science Research Program Heidi Gleason and seven juniors who presented their work, showcasing the advanced academic opportunities available to them. This stop highlighted how the district is preparing students for future careers in science, technology, and engineering.
School Safety
The final stop of the tour focused on school safety. Legislators met both School Resource Officers, a program made possible through partnerships with the Town of East Greenbush and Rensselaer County.
The group reviewed the visitor check-in process at the security vestibule and then visited the security office where monitors showed comprehensive security camera coverage of the school and grounds.
Throughout the morning, district leaders emphasized that these successful programs are made possible through the partnership between the school community and legislative advocates.
“It was a pleasure to welcome our local, state and federal officials to have an opportunity to see firsthand how their support not only benefits our students, but helps the district to create an academic program that will best prepare young people for life beyond their experience in the P-12 setting,” said Dr. Kotes. “We are grateful that they were able to join us for this experience and value their partnership at all levels.”
Special thanks to the following special guests who attended the Legislative Open House:
- Jake Ashby – NYS Senator
- Jack Conway – Town of East Greenbush Supervisor
- Dr. Gladys Cruz – Questar III BOCES Superintendent
- Mary Pat Donnelly – Rensselaer County District Attorney
- Max Dydynski – Representative from Congressman Josh Riley’s Office
- Tom Grant – Rensselaer County Legislator
- Steve McLaughlin – Rensselaer County Executive