Dear Mechanicville Community,

I am writing to inform you about an important decision that our Board of Education (BOE) will be making tomorrow night (Wednesday, June 21st), following a scheduled executive session. As a District, we are required to adopt a formal resolution that commits us to retire our Red Raider name, in accordance with the regulations set forth by the State Education Department (SED). This requirement applies to districts cited with names, imagery, or connections to indigenous people, whether currently or at any point in the past, prior to the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

This has not been an easy decision for our BOE, and they have taken the time to thoroughly consider all available options before reaching this resolution per SED mandate. The adoption of this resolution signifies our district’s commitment per regulation  to adhere to the regulation and demonstrates our dedication to moving in a direction that our entire community can rally behind.

While this change may bring about a sense of uncertainty, it is important to remember that our identity as Mechanicville remains unchanged. We are a resilient community, and our strength lies in our unity, irrespective of any names or images associated with us. Together, we will navigate the path that lies ahead as Mechanicville is more than just a name; it represents the spirit of our community. 

We will communicate the next steps we will be taking as we embrace this transition. It is crucial that we work together to ensure a smooth and inclusive process, respecting the diverse perspectives within our community. Our shared goal is to foster an environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive for all members. We have an opportunity to grow stronger together as we embark on this new chapter.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and ongoing commitment. Together, we will build a future that reflects our shared values and creates an engaging and supportive environment for all.  We are confident that as we always do, that our Mechanicville community will rise above any challenge it may face, emerging stronger and more united than ever before.

Warm regards,

Kevin W. Kolakowski
Superintendent