Faced with a budget shortfall that could range as high as $26 million due to state and federal aid reductions related to the COVID-19 crisis, the City School District of Albany is proposing a hybrid model of education to begin the school year.

Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams told Spectrum News that while younger children and children with special needs will be attending school in person five days a week, older students will be learning remotely.  

Like most other school districts in the state, the Albany City School District is facing twin challenges: a 20 percent cut to its budget from the state, and the additional expense of preparing schools and employees for COVID-19.  

According to Superintendent Adams, Albany City has already spent close to $500,000 on masks, thermometers and other equipment.

When asked how the district would continue to maintain services for students, like the Community Schools program that includes wrap-around programs for children, Superintendent Adams said “cutting programs is not an option.”

Instead, Adams says the district will be relying more heavily on their community partners.