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Cohoes City School District > Board of Education

Board of Education

2020-21 Board Members

About the Board

A seven-member Board of Education, elected by residents of the Cohoes City School District for three-year terms, is responsible for policies and regulations governing public education in the district. Each member serves without pay. The superintendent of schools is the chief executive officer of the board.

Board meetings are open to the public and are typically scheduled for the first and third Wednesday of the month. Special meetings are called when necessary. All meetings are held virtually for the time being at 6 p.m.

Our Mission & Vision

The mission of the district, a partnership of schools, parents and the community, is to prepare its students for success in tomorrow’s world.

The vision of the Cohoes City School District is A Purpose and Plan for All!

2020-21 Board meeting dates, agendas, and minutes

Members’ Roles and Responsibilities

Cohoes City School District Board of Education members are volunteers elected to serve a three-year term of office at no pay.

Under state law, school board members must be qualified voters, at least 18 years old, and have lived in the school district for at least one year. They cannot be a school employee, cannot reside in the same household as another school board member and must be able to read and write English.

Collectively the Board of Education has legal responsibility for the operation of the entire district. The Board establishes the policies under which the school district is operated, and the Superintendent of Schools is responsible for administering the school program within the context of these policies.

The Board’s powers and duties are derived from the State Constitution, the laws of New York State, and rulings of the State Commissioner of Education. The Board’s four main areas of responsibility are to:

  • Establish all school district policies.
  • Develop an annual budget for public approval.
  • Approve or disapprove the Superintendent’s recommendations regarding personnel matters and the many contracts the district must enter into.
  • Act as a two-way communications link between residents and the Superintendent.

The Board encourages parents and residents who have a concern about school matters to try first to resolve the problem at the level most directly involved, which is usually the classroom teacher or the principal. If a satisfactory solution cannot be reached at this level, contact Superintendent of Schools Peggy O’Shea.

If the matter can only be resolved by a change in district policy or some other action of the Board of Education, residents are welcome to communicate their concerns to the Board by letter, phone call, or a statement under “Questions and Statements from Audience” at one of the Board’s meetings.

New board members must complete mandatory training pursuant to New York State law within the first year of service.  The training is divided into four three-hour sessions, and certificates are issued upon completion.

Preparing our students for success in tomorrow’s world.

This website is maintained by Public Information Specialist Aaron Cagwin. It is the goal of the Cohoes City School District that this website is accessible to all users. View our accessibility statement. The district is not responsible for facts or opinions contained on any linked site. Some links and features on this site require the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. Visit the Adobe website to download the free Acrobat Reader. This website was produced by the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service, Albany, NY. Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved.