November 15, 2023 by Eleanor McNamara (‘24)
At the November 9th Board of Education meeting, fifty or so teachers in the Saratoga Springs Teachers Association (SSTA) assembled to protest the lack of a union contract. They began by marching along Broadway, eventually making their way to the meeting held at Caroline Street Elementary School. Teachers filled the gymnasium, holding signs stating: “teaching conditions = learning conditions”, “two years is too long”, and “no contract? A race to the bottom.” Contract negotiations have been ongoing between the school board and the SSTA for two years. They have been unable to reach an agreement, causing frustration among many teachers. Teachers filled the public comment period, voicing their concerns and urging the board to pass a contract they deem fair.
Superintendent Patton gave an update on the investigation of Saratoga Springs’ athletics. The school district has hired a law firm to examine the complaints made in the SAFE document, investigate how the district handled the complaints, and do an audit of all the current Saratoga Springs athletic programs. The law firm has been working since late October, and the school district has given the firm all the information they have asked for.
The new athletic director, John Goodson, reported on Saratoga Springs’ athletic programs. He shared the success many of the fall teams had this season. Two student-athletes also spoke about how athletic participation keeps them motivated and creates lifelong friendships. They stressed how coaches always encourage them that school comes before being an athlete. Mr. Goodson also spoke about how he believes there is a trend towards more support for athletes’ and coaches’ mental health.
The November 9th Board of Education meeting is posted here: SSCSD BOE Meeting 11/09/2023 – YouTube
For more information on any meeting, visit Agenda – Saratoga Springs City School District BoardDocs® Pro. It is important to remember that the first three slots of the public comment period at the beginning of board meetings are reserved for students in the district. If you have a concern, please come and voice it! The next meeting is on December 14th at Division Street Elementary School starting at 7:00 p.m. A complete list of future meeting dates is available here: 2023-2024 Board of Education Schedule – Saratoga City School District (saratogaschools.org).