Members of the Rensselaer City School District Community,

The Rensselaer City School District places a high priority on the safety of our students, staff and school community. The District also values the long-standing partnership between the City of Rensselaer and the City of Rensselaer Police Department.

Recent statements made by the City in the media and on social media do not provide the full context of the ongoing financial discussions between the City and the District.

The District has not refused to work with the City on a School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement. In fact, the District responded in writing to the City’s May 29 letter before the stated deadline and made clear that it wants to continue working together to provide an SRO for the school community. The District also stated its willingness to negotiate and sign a new, updated SRO agreement. Both letters can be found below.

This issue is part of a broader set of unresolved financial matters between the City and the District. These issues include:

• The District’s documented position is that the City owes the District $430,290.51 NOT INCLUDING INTEREST AND PENALTIES in tax arrears.
• The District’s concern that certain late fees charged to school taxpayers in 2024 and 2025 may be excessive and require a clear, lawful calculation.
• The City’s discontinuation of historically provided services, including sewage pump maintenance and winter road salt support. Both of these issues ended up costing taxpayers unnecessarily.

The District has repeatedly sought documentation and a meeting to resolve these matters in a fiscally responsible way that does not place an undue burden on its taxpayers.

A meeting was held on March 16, 2026, and a follow-up meeting was scheduled for April 13, 2026. That follow-up meeting was canceled by the City, and the District was not provided with a new date. Requested documentation has also not been provided despite numerous requests.

The District’s goal has always been to resolve outstanding issues fairly, transparently, and in the best interest of the same taxpayers both parties serve. The District has proposed a comprehensive reset that would allow both parties to move forward, protect taxpayers, and preserve the partnership that benefits students, staff, and the school community.

The District will not negotiate student safety or taxpayer issues through social media. The District remains ready to return to the table, work in good faith, and reach a fair agreement that supports students, staff, families, and taxpayers.  Unfortunately, it seems that the City is taking a different approach based on a recent “media release”.

Student safety remains a top priority for the Rensselaer City School District. The District will continue to take appropriate steps to ensure a safe and supportive school environment while these financial discussions continue.

The District thanks the school community for its continued support as we prepare for the year ahead. 

The May 29 letter from the City can be found here. 

The District’s response can be found here.