10/30: Superintendent Update

Dear South Colonie Families, Students and Staff,

Over the past few weeks, our community has been carrying a lot of hurt, anger and pain. I want to acknowledge that directly. The video created off campus and shared across social media was deeply hurtful, and our students, especially our students of color, have every right to be furious. But we also know that the video is not an isolated incident. It was a tipping point. It brought to the surface comments and experiences that have caused real harm and made students feel unsafe or unwelcome.

I commend our students for responding with courage by speaking at our Board of Education meeting, gathering in our hallways, and demanding better. I also want to thank everyone who has engaged in productive dialogue with the district over the past several weeks. I appreciate the time and space our community has given us to work through these concerns and provide a meaningful update with actionable steps.

Here is how we are starting to do that work together: 

• This week we hired The McLean Collective to work alongside district leadership, staff, and students. We will begin with restorative circles at the high school, helping students and staff to bridge understanding, build mutual respect, and work towards a path of healing. A community forum will follow in November. 
• At Colonie Central High School, we are implementing active bystander training, hosting student-led forums, and continuing direct discussions with the student leaders who spoke at the Oct. 20 Board of Education meeting.
• Our middle schools are holding staff equity forums, reviewing instructional materials, and teaming up with local police on digital safety.
• At the elementary level, we are reinforcing lessons on empathy, inclusion, and digital citizenship.

Many families have asked why the students involved were not expelled or given long-term suspensions. We understand the desire for more information on consequences or severe punishment. But as an educational community, our duty extends beyond reacting. We are legally and ethically committed to safeguarding the physical and emotional well-being of every student, upholding our Code of Conduct, and ensuring every disciplinary decision is thoughtful, fair, and grounded in the facts. 

Real accountability requires more than just removing someone from a classroom. It requires facing the impact of actions, understanding the harm caused, and actively participating in the process of repair. 

This work will take time, but we are fully committed to transparency, accountability, and making South Colonie safe and welcoming for every student. 

Thank you for your partnership on this work.

Sincerely, 

Dr. David Perry
Superintendent of Schools

We have updated our Community Q&A to address key questions and provide additional context.