Some members of the group proposing a Montessori-style charter school in Schenectady, from left to right: Virginia Rawlins, George Borum, Kimberly Bernard, LaQuetta Alexander, and Sira Ramos.

Ed Mitzen, left, owns Blackbirds Tavern in Voorheesville with his wife, Lisa, as part of their stable of food businesses that contribute profits to the Mitzens’ Business for Good foundation.