Fairport Community:

As part of the strategic initiatives developed by last year’s District Advisory Council, the Fairport Central School District Board of Education and district leaders have been studying the future of the district, including facilities planning and a possible merger of Minerva DeLand (MD) and Fairport High School (FHS).

Part of this analysis was an enrollment study completed by Statistical Forecasting. Estimates of future grade-to-grade enrollments were projected for a five-year period, 2019-20 through 2023-24. In summary:

• Fairport enrollment has declined continuously for 12 years and has decreased by more than 900 students, approximately 14 percent.
• Over the past several years, kindergarten classes have been less than the outgoing graduating classes.
• Projections suggest that our enrollment is leveling. District enrollment will fluctuate by approximately 100 students over the next five years, while the graduating classes may shift within 30 students.

The board of education has also been studying the educational and financial benefits of a potential merger between MD and FHS. It is important to note, that if a merger were to take place, it would occur over a six-to-seven year period. The first students to be enrolled in grades 9-12 Fairport High School are currently in their early elementary years.

Our board of education and school community have high expectations and pride in our student-centered programming. Our facilities need to complement the educational programming we offer. Of the course of the year, we have been evaluating the educational needs of our students in conjunction with the status of our facilities.  Our learning spaces need to be adaptable and conducive to fostering communication, collaboration, problem solving and creativity.

Over the past two weeks, there have been community and staff presentations where these ideas and priorities have been shared. The board is deliberating and will make an evidenced-based decision that takes all factors into consideration. The board is projecting it will make a decision on May 6 during a special board workshop whether or not it intends to move forward on the pathway towards a merger. It will then begin assessing the prospects of a capital project referendum in December 2019. Regardless of a merger, our buildings need to be updated to meet safety standards, code requirements and 21st-century learning environments.

The year is moving along and we are heading into the final leg of the school year. Upon our return from spring break, there will be 10 weeks left in the school year. We hope you take the time to enjoy the wonderment of our schools either up close and personal or by visiting the Fairport Central School District website, Twitter account or Facebook page.

Enjoy the week and we will look forward seeing everyone back to school on Monday, April 22.  

Brett Provenzano
Superintendent of Schools