Albany s schools are antiquated to say the least, with many buildings dating back to the early 1900s. But beyond age, they suffer from many other problems that get in the way of education, especially in this time of higher standards when all students are expected to ultimately graduate with a Regents diploma.
Libraries are small and inadequate.
Very often they are former classrooms that have only enough space to house a few shelves and a small collection of books. At one elementary school, the library doubles as a music and art room, meaning the library itself can only be open to children two days a week. Gymnasiums are often too small, auditoriums, music rooms, art rooms and cafeterias are practically non-existent, and, in some cases, toilet facilities are scarce. For example, in two elementary schools, students have to walk down as many as two flights to find a bathroom. Space in general is tight.