Board of Education

2024-25 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 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Special meetings are called when necessary.

    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!

    2024-25  Board meeting dates, agendas, and minutes

    July 10, 2024 –Business Meeting Minutes I Reorganization Meeting Minutes Meeting Video
    July 24, 2024 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    August 14, 2024 – Business Meeting Minutes  I Meeting Video
    August 28, 2024 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    September 25, 2024 – Business Meeting Minutes  I Meeting Video
    October 9, 2024 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    October 23,  2024 –  Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    November 6, 2024 – Business Meeting Agenda I Business Meeting Addenda I Meeting Video
    November 6, 2024 – Annual Audit Committee Meeting, 4:45pm, District Offices, 21 Page Avenue, Cohoes
    December 11, 2024
    January 8, 2025
    January 22, 2025
    February 12, 2025
    March 5 , 2025
    March 19, 2025
    April 9, 2025
    April 23, 2025
    May 7, 2025
    May 21, 2025
    June 11, 2025

    2023-24 Board meeting dates, agendas, and minutes

    July 5 –  Reorganization Meeting Minutes I Business Meeting and Code of Public Hearing Minutes and Appendix A I Meeting Video
    August 9, 2023 – Business Meeting Minutes I Disposal of IT items I Meeting Video
    August 30, 2023 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    September 13, 2023 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    September 27, 2023 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    October 11, 2023 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    October 23, 2023 – Annual Audit Committee Meeting, 5pm, District Offices, 21 Page Avenue, Cohoes
    October 25, 2023 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    November 9, 2023 – Business Meeting Minutes Meeting Video
    November 29, 2023 – Workshop, closed meeting
    December 13, 2023 – Business Meeting Minutes I  Meeting Video
    January 10, 2024 –  Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    January 31, 2024 Business Meeting MinutesMeeting Video
    February 14, 2024 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    February 28, 2024 –  Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    March 13, 2024 – Business Meeting Minutes  I Meeting Video
    March 27, 2024 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    April 10, 2024 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    April 16, 2024 – Annual Audit Committee Meeting, 5:30pm, District Offices, 21 Page Avenue, Cohoes
    April 24, 2024 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    May 8, 2024 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    May 22, 2024 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    May 29, 2024 – Special Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video
    June 12, 2024 – Business Meeting Minutes I Meeting Video

      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 the Cohoes City School District Communications Office. 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 Capital Region BOCES Engagement & Development Services, Albany, NY. Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.