Meeting with AVCS Leadership

On August 6th, I met with AuSable Valley Central School District (AVCS) leadership and neighboring Town Supervisors to discuss long-term financial planning. A recent facilities study presented to the district recommended an eventual consolidation to a single campus. The initial proposal suggests relocating the 5th grade to the Middle/High School and moving lower elementary grades to Keeseville Elementary. While district leadership emphasized that no final decisions have been made, this preliminary proposal opens critical discussions about the future of our local elementary schools and community resources.

During the meeting, I strongly advocated for our community, raising concerns about the severe economic and social impacts a school closure would bring to the Town of Jay. I urged the district to focus on retaining families through accelerated academic programming, exploring alternative instructional models, and seeking operational savings before considering facility closures. Moving forward, Town of Black Brook Supervisor Douglass and I are exploring an independent economic impact study, while the district awaits a fiscal feasibility report in November 2026. AVCS has committed to holding quarterly meetings with local officials to keep the community informed.

 

Upcoming Town Meetings

On Wednesday, August 12th, the Town of Jay Planning Board will host two public hearings for upcoming projects starting at 5:30 pm, followed by their regular monthly meeting at 6:00 pm at the Community Center.

On Thursday, August 13th, the Town Board will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7:00 pm at the Community Center. Deputy Supervisor McDonald will run the meeting in my absence, as I will be out of town moving my daughter back to the University of Florida for her junior year.

Both meetings offer a virtual attendance option, which can be accessed via the respective board pages on the town website: https://www.townofjayny.gov/. Video recordings will also be available on the site next week.

 

Events Happening Around the Area

Summer events continue across the region this weekend:

  • The JEMS Summer Concert Series continues tomorrow night, Saturday, with the band Alice’s Fault performing on the Jay Village Green at 6:00 pm.
  • The annual Oozeball Tournament takes place at the Upper Jay Fire Department, running from tonight through Sunday.
  • The Beat Authority Dance Party will be hosted at the Upper Jay Art Center on Saturday from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
  • Check out the Jay Community News Calendar of Events for a complete view of everything happening around town this summer: https://jaynews.org/events/

 

I hope you have a great weekend,

Matt