WEEDSPORT - Weedsport teachers and administrators came together on Monday night to share their goals and plans with the board of education.

“We must have a common purpose,” said Shaun O'Connor, superintendent of schools at the school board meeting “We want to remain one of the premiere school districts in New York.”

Faculty members have developed lists of departmental plans that could promote the school district's five core values. These values are: Accelerate achievement for all students; Ensure a safe, nurturing and healthy environment; Maintain and enhance responsive two-way communication with educational stakeholders; Engage students in opportunities for critical thinking, collaboration, problem solving, global awareness and communication; Effectively allocate resources after careful analysis of data and consideration of district needs.

“We will strive to encourage and promote our programs,” said Norman Chirco, board president. “We have a fiscal responsibility to the community ... we will weigh that as much as we can (against the district's needs).”

Chirco spoke about the need to improve communication with the local community.

“We need to analyze our Web site and the information we provide to our newsletter. We need to try to get more information out to the community,” he said.

Chirco also said that he would like to explore the idea of “shared services” for Weedsport schools, due to the current economic climate.

“It's a tough tightrope to walk,” he said. “We can explore shared services (with other schools) and still maintain our identity. This doesn't mean we're going to consolidate with anyone.”

High school principal Brett Fingland presented to the board on how the state now records high school dropouts from grades 9 to 12, rather than just in grade 12. This change in statistics recording has caused dropout rates to seem increasingly large in New York schools, said Fingland. Fingland cited the importance of simply having fewer high school dropouts at Weedsport to earn a higher rating in the state.

“We don't make the rules,” he said. “But we play by them.”

Faculty members from all departments presented to the board various ways in which the district could support the core values. Ideas included a writing gallery, where students could display their creative writing pieces; a school-wide geometry event; “word walls” that could help students with science vocabulary; video conferences with science labs; community service projects; and historical role-playing activities.

“It's just amazing what you've put together,” said Mary Kae Brentlinger, board member. “The thought process is amazing.”

Chirco said, “I'm impressed with all the interdisciplinary stuff you're doing, and all you are doing in the community.”

Staff writer Kelly Voll can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or kelly.voll@lee.net.