Attendance: P. Kellerman; R. Martinez; J. Leyhane; P. Brown; D. Brown; C. Foote; Ray; D. Drum; P. Bailey; C. Heaney; L. Pferr; T. Brewer, D. Calamaras, M. Forth and C. Heaney.
Guest: Dr. Kotes, Superintendent, EG School District
Dr. Kotes’ Presentation Notes (Condensed)
- Professional Journey
- Native of Rensselaer County; background in education leadership.
- Career path: classroom teacher → administrator → superintendent.
- Experience in several districts (Arlington, Cornwall, others).
- Values strong leadership, family support, and lifelong learning.
- Graduation Reform in New York State
- Focus on revising graduation requirements.
- Exploring alternatives to Regents exams (e.g., internships, applied learning).
- Goal: prepare students for multiple post–high school paths—college, trades, or workforce.
- Growing acknowledgment of the need for flexible graduation measures.
- Challenges in Educational Leadership
- Preparing students for life and work in a changing economy.
- Advocates early conversations about career goals and financial literacy.
- Concerned about high cost of living in NY and its impact on school communities.
- Education Policy and Systemic Issues
- Complex relationship between State Ed Department and Jewish schools; political challenges.
- Risks of private entities managing public school functions—resource diversion.
- Emphasis on financial literacy, vocational exposure, and career readiness.
- Noted ongoing challenges in ESL staffing and changing student demographics.
Project Reports:
Kenya Water Project
P. Brown reported on the meeting with the Kenya Partners. They are waiting for a solution to the girls’ bathroom facilities, and Jennifer from CNY agreed to contact a Rotary Club in Middletown, Connecticut, to help fund them. A plan is still needed to plug a dry borehole, which will cost approximately $700, and a discussion of the structural requirements for the water collection system is required. A follow-up virtual meeting for the Kenya Water Project was scheduled for Monday at 9 AM.
Action: P. Brown invited anyone interested to join the meeting on Nov.10th to contact him for the Zoom link.
Monument Relocation Plans
T. Brewer reported the plan continues to evolve and is slated for completion in April, 2026. Some funding has been procured, but additional funds will be required. Dr. Kotes mentioned that the project involves working with contractors and local graduates to minimize costs and preserve as much of the existing monument as possible.
Action: T. Brewer to report back to the board on needed funds for completion.
District Grant/Backpack Program Update
P. Brown explained that a meeting about the backpack program had to be postponed due to a tragedy at the school, and will now take place on Nov. 17th, 11:30 am. Roberto clarified the various parts of the backpack program, including that the district grant is for storage and shelving, not backpacks.
Board Meeting Update
Phil reported that the board meeting of Oct. 28th, revealed the club is currently taking in less than it plans to distribute, with approximately $15,000 in its checking account and obligations due in January to Rotary International and the CNY District. Board members discussed fundraising efforts in detail. Three concrete ideas were agreed to pursue.
- Football Pool
- Talent Show
- Tag or Garage Sale
Kevin Leyhane suggested using a football pool as an effective fundraiser. He can organize one for the Thanksgiving games. Members discussed the pros and cons of the legal concerns related to pools.
Action: It was agreed that a trial pool would be held at Thanksgiving, followed by an assessment with K. Leyhane.
T. Brewer suggested a dinner/dance event featuring local school music performances.
Action: None Decided
C. Heaney and P. Kellerman are exploring the possibility of hosting a community talent show in April 2026. Members were requested to inquire with family and friends with experience in theater, music, sound, lighting, etc., to advise our team for the event.
Action: C. Heaney will create and distribute a blurb to members to share. Anyone interested in supporting the effort, contact Phil or Carole.
T. Brewer discussed the Café Capriccio fundraiser. Tickets would need to be sold by members. This could raise upwards of $4,000 for student scholarships and other initiatives.
Action: No further decision or discussion reached.
Phil announced the opportunity to participate in Circles of Mercy’s Adopt-a-Family program, which will support a family of six with children ages 1 month to 7 years for Christmas. Phil will send an email to all regarding the types of contributions requested.
Next Meeting: The next meeting is Thursday, November 20th at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page.
Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club 