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.

October 20, 2026 Board Brief

Topic 1: Workshop - K-12 Physical Education Update

• Health and Physical Education Curriculum Adjustments: Elementary health instruction has transitioned back to an itinerant specialist model across all four elementary schools. A sequential K–5 curriculum fulfills state mandates, supplemented by crosswalked general education units. Middle school physical education (PE) features restored adventure-based learning (Martha Brown climbing wall), while high school PE successfully integrated 9th and 10th graders into a 5-track student-choice model focused on lifelong fitness and citizenship over athletic evaluation.

 Topic 2: Recognitions and Presentation:

• Superintendent Provenzano, ex-officio board members, district principals, and student representatives honored the Board of Education in celebration of New York State School Board Recognition Month. Principals and students from each school presented personal tributes and dedicated specific books to their respective school libraries in honor of individual board members. 

Topic 3: Disabled Veterans Tax Exemption

• The Fairport Board of Education is asking community members to share their feedback on the potential adoption of a property tax exemption for Veterans with a Permanent and Total Disability.
• A NYS property tax exemption is a legal provision that excludes all or a portion of a property’s assessed value from being subject to local, county, or school district property taxes. This means the tax amount that is exempted for those eligible is shifted onto other taxable properties.
  • Click here to read the news item about the Permanent and Total Disabled Veterans Exemption

Topic 4: Student Ex Officio Report

• Brooks Hill Elementary Visit: Students in 3rd and 5th grade reported positive views on the adjusted school start schedules, citing increased time for homework and after-school activities. Feedback highlighted strong engagement with Spark Labs, the "What I Need" (WIN) academic period, and 95% Phonics modules. Minor concerns involved bus dismissal logistics and parent pick-up timing.