Dear Catskill CSD Community,

As we continue working together to provide the best possible educational experience for our students, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your input and engagement throughout this year’s discussions about the potential restructuring of our schools. Your voices have been invaluable as we explored the possibility of moving sixth grade back to the elementary school.

After careful consideration, we have decided to maintain our current grade configurations at this time. A transition of this scale requires significant preplanning, and we have determined that the necessary preparations could not be fully completed in time for the next school year. However, we recognize the importance of this discussion and will continue to explore the possibility of restructuring in the future, ensuring that any potential changes are continued to be well thought out and in the best interest of our students.

At Catskill CSD, our commitment to integrity, perseverance, and compassion guides every decision we make. These values are at the heart of the following changes we are implementing for the 2025-26 school year, which will strengthen our district and enhance the learning experience for our students:

Full-Day Pre-K with Transportation – We are thrilled to expand our Pre-K program to a full-day model, providing our youngest learners with a strong foundation for success. Additionally, for the first time, we will offer transportation for Pre-K students (at least 4 years old), making early childhood education more accessible for our families.
One Administrative Team on the Secondary Campus – To streamline operations and foster greater collaboration, we are shifting to a single administrative team for the Secondary Campus. This unified approach will enhance communication, provide consistent leadership, and ensure a more cohesive experience for students in grades 6-12. Both buildings will continue to function at their current capacities.
Sixth Grade Curriculum Training – Although sixth grade will remain at the Secondary Campus, our sixth-grade team will receive training in Benchmark, our new elementary language arts curriculum. This professional development will ensure that our teachers are fully equipped to deliver high-quality instruction that supports student learning and growth.
Math Curriculum Review for Grades 6-12 – Next year, we will begin a focused review and enhancement of our math curriculum for grades 6-12. This initiative aims to strengthen our instructional practices and provide students with the skills they need for future success.

These changes reflect our district’s ongoing commitment to growth and improvement, always with the best interests of our students at the forefront. By staying true to our core values, we continue to build a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

We appreciate your continued partnership as we move forward together and look forward to another great year ahead. Thank you for your unwavering support of the Catskill Central School District. If you have any questions or would like to share additional thoughts, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dan
Superintendent of Schools