The Albany City School District buildings sit empty. At a time that should be filled with end of the year celebrations, it’s a time that’s unprecedented as learning has moved online.

It’s still up in the air what the new school year will hold this fall. The vision for reopening schools statewide sits partially in the hands of Albany Superintendent Kaweeda Adams. 

“Some students are saying they’re having a little bit of a struggle, and now they’re doing OK. Some of the students are still not getting the hang of it, and we’re working with them,” says Adams.

The top Albany school official has been appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to the "Reimagine Education" Advisory Council. The task force will help shape the opening of school districts statewide. Adams says the Capital Region brings a unique perspective.

“All of our students are represented right here in the Capital Region, so it’s important to have those voices heard,” she said. “Within our school district, our diversity is our strength. Those are the things that those voices and needs are heard, so we can develop something that meets the needs of all for our students."

However, the road to reopening doesn’t come without its hurdles. Access to technology is on the list.

“I would like to be able to see come out of this council is that we [have] equitable opportunities, equitable access, not only technology, [but] success to all of our students,” said Adams.

With budget season in full swing, schools face difficult decisions to handle huge financial shortfalls. Albany schools have already had to make more than 20 cuts to staff across the district. Adams says it’s been one of the most difficult moments in her career.

“We know the things we’ve had in place have led to the successes we’ve seen. We now have to look at our budgets and make some difficult adjustments to that budget,” she said.

Adams says she values the traditional school settings, but also says this is a time to upgrade and advance classroom learning with the hope that students will once again fill these buildings, and provide a future of success crafted with the Capital Region in mind.  

“We know nothing can take the place of [classroom learning]. However, what are the ways we can be innovative in looking at how we blend what we’ve been learning online?” said Adams.