The Averill Park Central School District (Averill Park) is aware of the proposed annexation of the Wynantskill Union Free School District (Wynantskill) by the Troy City School District (Troy). Averill Park considers both Wynantskill and Troy to be trusted partners and values the relationship with these outstanding districts. While Averill Park is not a party to this matter and has not been asked to be one, there are certain comments that have been made publicly that involve Averill Park that need clarification.
The topic of school choice has been discussed publicly by Troy and Wynantskill. Averill Park has been referred to during these discussions. It is important to note that the current contract between Averill Park and Wynantskill expires at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. In an effort to be transparent and proactive, the Averill Park Board of Education would like to communicate that, should the proposed annexation of Wynantskill by Troy be approved and an agreement be reached between Averill Park and Troy/Wynantskill, Averill Park would certainly allow Wynantskill students who are currently enrolled in Averill Park High School (APHS) to continue to attend APHS through their graduation if they wished to do so. However, to be clear, it would be limited to those students currently enrolled.
If the proposed annexation is approved, Averill Park will not be pursuing any agreement that allows students not enrolled in APHS prior to June 30, 2026 to attend APHS. This includes those students who may have a sibling who attends or attended APHS in the past. Simply stated, only Wynantskill students currently enrolled in APHS prior to the end of this school year will be allowed to attend APHS if such an agreement is legally sound, requested by Troy, and approved by Averill Park.
The rationale for this decision is simple. The agreement between Averill Park and Wynantskill was logical and legally sound because Wynantskill does not have an in-district high school for their students. If the annexation is approved, students who reside in the current boundaries of Wynantskill will be part of the Troy City School District, which obviously has a high school for them to attend. Since Averill Park does not wish to disrupt the educational experience of Wynantskill students who are already attending APHS, it would allow the singular exception for continued attendance in APHS.
Averill Park values their relationship with the residents of Troy and Wynantskill and feels the ethical obligation to communicate our intent to families living in Wynantskill in a clear and proactive manner. Averill Park wishes both districts and their residents all the best as they go through this annexation process.