UPDATE: April 18 board vote on school closures delayed!

School board president Emily Sherry told Hudson Valley One that a definitive school closure vote for April 18, which was previously on the table, is no longer planned. “It was not something that the entire board had decided on,” she said, “and we have to move as a group. So everyone has to be in agreement in order for us to vote. So the 18th is not a vote.”

“We are going to take as much time as we absolutely need to make the best decision that we can," she added. "And no matter what, it won’t be an easy decision, and it won’t be quick, but it’ll be thoughtful and it’ll be well planned out."

Thank you for hearing us, Emily! Delaying the vote is the right move.

But that is only the first step. We need to see proper cost estimates on the extensive renovations that will be necessary to host our kids in fewer buildings BEFORE the board votes to close schools. We need to consider options for increasing enrollment such as Universal Pre-K and non-resident tuition. We need a detailed, rigorous survey of the recent population influx with 0-5 year olds. We need a proper study showing the effects that closing schools could have on local businesses and real estate. And last, but not least, we need true community input into this decision that extends beyond a postcard mailer few saw or responded to.

Onward. Or, in New York State lingo... Excelsior!