September 15, 2026 Board Brief

Topic 1: Workshop - MTSS Update

Academic Performance and MTSS Overview

The District conducted a comprehensive review of the 2025-2026 New York State (NYS) testing and secondary performance, framed through the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) approach.

English Language Arts (ELA) and Literacy

• Statewide Context: NYS Education Department (NYSED) issued a disclaimer regarding a significant decline in statewide ELA performance for grades 3-8.
• Fairport Results: The District's proficiency rate stood at 55%, which is above the state average of 48% but slightly below the Monroe County "East Side" average of 57%.
• Granular Analysis:
  • Grades 3-5: Students performed well on critical response/writing but struggled with multiple-choice questions, specifically regarding vocabulary and specific topics.
  • Grades 6-8: Students performed well on multiple-choice but struggled with critical response (short answers and essays).
• Strategic Response: The District is implementing "The Writing Revolution" and content literacy professional learning paths for middle school staff to ensure consistent writing strategies across all subjects.

Mathematics and Science

• Mathematics (Grades 3-8): Fairport continues to show strength with a 73% proficiency rate, significantly outpacing the state (57%) and the county (68%).
  • Note: Grade 8 scores appear lower in raw data because high-performing students are "siphoned" into Algebra I Regents; these students achieved a 100% pass rate.
• Science (Grades 5 and 8): Under new standards that emphasize "transfer of skill" over memorization, Fairport achieved 63.5% proficiency (State: 47.5%; County: 60%). The assessment is now computer-based and highly reading-intensive.

 Topic 2: Recognitions and Presentation:

• August Graduate Meg E. was presented with her diploma and recognized for her hard work over the summer to complete her time at FHS.
• Monroe County Sheriff Deputy Todd Thurston was recognized for his 8 year tenure as the Community Engagement Deputy to FCSD. 
• Fairport Fire Chief PJ Kolb was recognized for the outstanding response by the Fairport Fire Department to the fire at Dudley and Northside Schools on September 2nd.

Topic 3: Disabled Veterans Tax Exemption

The board began a preliminary discussion regarding a new New York State law allowing for a 100% property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans.

• Financial Impact: Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations, Jeremy Nardone estimated that opting into this would increase taxes for other community members by approximately $80 to $120 per year on a home assessed at $400,000 (roughly 20-30 cents per thousand of assessed value).
• Redistribution of Burden: Board President and members expressed frustration that the state is "kicking this to school districts" rather than funding it at the state or federal level.
• Next Steps: The board will seek joint conversations with the Town and Village of Fairport to ensure consistent messaging. A resolution would need to be passed by December to allow for a March 1, 2027, application deadline.

Topic 4: Infrastructure and Facilities

STEAM Wing and Athletics

• Ribbon Cutting: A new STEAM/Tech wing at Fairport High School was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony involving Fairport Robotics students.
• Athletic Field Change Order: The board approved a resolution to use sod instead of seed for the track and field infield.
  • Cost/Benefit: The funding comes from construction contingency. While more expensive, sod allows the field to be used by Fall 2027, whereas seed would delay use until Spring 2028.
  • Durability: Sod is better suited to withstand the "heavy machinery" compacted soil and accidental foot traffic that would kill new seed.
• FHS Pool: An emergency project resolution was approved to address issues with the high school pool and return the swim teams to the water.