Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, in partnership with its 22 participating Component Districts, is undertaking an important initiative in collaboration with the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education and Human Development to develop the Regional Future of Education Blueprint.
This comprehensive effort will help guide long-range planning for districts across the Wayne-Finger Lakes Region, with a focus on expanding student opportunities, strengthening educational programs and identifying sustainable solutions to meet the evolving needs of students and communities.
Participating school districts include Bloomfield, Canandaigua City, Dundee, Gananda, Geneva City, Gorham-Middlesex (Marcus Whitman), Honeoye, Lyons, Manchester-Shortsville (Red Jacket), Marion, Naples, Newark, Palmyra-Macedon, Penn Yan, Phelps-Clifton Springs (Midlakes), Red Creek, Romulus, Seneca Falls, Sodus, Victor, Waterloo and Williamson.
The Blueprint will study and present future opportunities for our students and Component Districts by evaluating options that include:
Sustaining and strengthening existing educational systems with targeted improvements
Expanding shared and integrated services across districts
Exploring innovative new structures and organizations that expand pathways to student learning and growth
Fostering shared collaboration throughout the region to support student success
Through their process, the University of Rochester’s Warner School will develop a series of potential options and opportunities for participating districts and Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES. The findings will provide a foundation for continued conversations about strengthening the future of education across the Wayne-Finger Lakes Region.
Christopher Barnard, District Superintendent of Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration.
"The Wayne-Finger Lakes Region is rich in resources, knowledge and opportunities,” Mr. Barnard said. “By working together, Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES and our Component Districts have an opportunity to strengthen educational experiences, expand access and ensure that all students have the opportunities they need to succeed. This important work will allow us to look beyond the challenges of today and develop thoughtful, sustainable solutions that support the changing needs of our students, schools and communities."
The Regional Future of Education Blueprint represents an important opportunity for Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES and its Component Districts to collaboratively plan for the future, explore innovative solutions and strengthen the quality and accessibility of public education for students throughout the region.
The Warner School has a longstanding history of partnering with Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES on a range of educational initiatives and brings to this project advanced research infrastructure and a team of experts with deep knowledge of and experience in the region. Together, W-FL BOCES and UR are working toward their shared commitment to providing powerful and equitable educational opportunities for all learners and valuable expertise in strategic planning and change across school systems.