Superintendent Brian Collier, Otselic Valley Board of Education Member Juliette Wentworth, and Otselic Valley Board of Education President Dave Cruikshank discuss district programs and rural education during the Assemblyman’s visit. (Submitted photo)

SOUTH OTSELIC - Otselic Valley Central School was honored to welcome New York State

Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan (131st District) and his Chief of Staff, Alexis Ogra, on Monday,

October 27, 2025, for a visit that highlighted student engagement, agriculture education, and

community connection.

Assemblyman Gallahan began his visit in Mrs. Jenny Osowski’s Participation in Government

class, where students asked insightful questions on topics including transportation, forestry, the

rising costs of medications, the recent statewide cell phone regulation, and college affordability.

The Assemblyman took time to respond to each question, reminding students that their voices

and ideas can make a difference in their communities.

After the classroom discussion, Assemblyman Gallahan took a tour of the building, stopping by

the library to explore the wide range of instructional programs offered there. In addition to its

traditional library functions, he had the opportunity to observe the makerspace and STEAM

activities available to students. The library also serves as a public library after school hours,

showcasing the shared nature of the space and the district’s commitment to providing resources

that benefit both students and the broader community.

He then visited the Agricultural Education classroom, where he spoke with teacher Andrea

Lehmann about the importance of agricultural and FFA programs in schools. They discussed the

various activities that Otselic Valley’s FFA students participate in, as well as the recent National

FFA “Living to Serve” grant the chapter was awarded. This grant supports programming that

strengthens the FFA’s connection to the local community and enhances student engagement

through service-based learning.

The visit concluded with a conversation between Assemblyman Gallahan, Board of Education

President Dave Cruikshank, Board Member Juliette Wentworth, and Superintendent Brian

Collier. Discussion topics included the strengths and challenges of rural education, the vital role

schools play as the pride and center of small communities, workforce readiness, and how schools

and policymakers can continue working together to support student success.

Otselic Valley is grateful for the Assemblyman’s time and interest in learning more about the

district’s programs and community.

- Information from Otselic Valley Central School District