Dear Weedsport Community,

It is with great pride that I introduce Weedsport Central School District’s first Strategic Plan—an ambitious, forward-thinking document designed to guide our collective efforts over the next five years. This plan represents the culmination of nearly a year of thoughtful collaboration by a dedicated group of teachers, students, parents, staff, and community members. Together, they engaged in meaningful conversations about the current and future direction of our district with one goal in mind: to strengthen our commitment to every student’s success.

At the center of this Strategic Plan is our unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. The plan outlines a renewed mission and vision for the district, along with clearly defined goals that will shape our priorities and actions moving forward. Our mission—to ensure each student learns, thrives, and is prepared to make meaningful contributions to society—reflects a shared responsibility for every learner. Our vision—to become a premier school district that inspires excellence in academics, character, and community, preparing every student for personal and professional success—sets a bold and inspiring course for our future.

You will see these beliefs reflected throughout the plan, particularly in our focus on every student, every day. Input from stakeholder surveys, data analysis, and community feedback consistently emphasized the importance of supporting all students through both high expectations and strong relationships. We want our graduates to be equipped with the knowledge, character, and confidence to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Our district goals are organized into four key focus areas:

• District-wide goal of becoming a Professional Learning Community
• Student achievement and learning goals
• Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) goals
• Facilities and operations goals
   

Each goal is actionable, measurable, and directly tied to improving outcomes for students. This document is more than a plan—it is a commitment. Over the next five years, our resources, training, and professional development will be aligned to these goals. Additionally, we will launch a dedicated webpage to support the implementation of the plan, track progress, and share regular updates with our community.

Thank you for your continued support of Weedsport Central School District. We are proud of our strong traditions and energized by the opportunity to shape a future where we are inspiring excellence and ensuring success for every student. 

Sincerely,
 

Gregory M. Stone
Superintendent of Schools

Nestled at the northern edge of the Finger Lakes Region, the Weedsport Central School District serves as the heart of a community that blends academic excellence, small-town charm, and a high quality of life. With approximately 800 students, our district is consistently ranked among the highest performing in Cayuga and Onondaga Counties. We take pride in strong graduation outcomes, personalized learning, and a school culture that prioritizes student growth, well-being, and success.

Our reputation is built on a tradition of educational distinction, reflected in our diverse course offerings, exceptional Fine Arts programming, competitive athletic teams, and a variety of extracurricular clubs that nurture student interests and leadership. Students benefit from close-knit relationships with faculty, opportunities for academic challenge, and meaningful engagement both inside and outside the classroom.

Weedsport is more than a place—it’s a community defined by partnership, pride, and resilience. Our families enjoy a unique blend of suburban and rural living, where scenic countryside and tight-knit neighborhoods offer both comfort and connection. This setting provides students with the safety and support of a small town, while remaining closely connected to cultural and educational resources. Just minutes from Auburn and within convenient reach of Syracuse and Rochester, residents enjoy peaceful living with easy access to the broader opportunities of nearby cities.

Steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, Weedsport sits along the path of the original Erie Canal—once a vital corridor of commerce and growth for New York State. Today, the modern Erie Canal system flows along the nearby Seneca River, just north of the village, preserving the canal’s legacy while offering opportunities for recreation. Residents and visitors alike enjoy riverfront access for boating, fishing, and outdoor adventure, with heritage trails and canalway paths enhancing the experience for those who appreciate both history and nature.

As the gateway to the Finger Lakes, Weedsport is uniquely positioned at the intersection of cultural vibrancy and natural beauty. Whether visiting a lakeside vineyard, biking along scenic trails, attending a student performance in our school auditorium, or cheering on the Wolverines under the Friday night lights, our community embraces a well-rounded, spirited lifestyle. Local events, seasonal celebrations, and strong civic participation foster a sense of belonging and pride among residents of all ages.

Our athletic programs have a long-standing tradition of excellence, and our modern facilities support a wide range of sports and student-athletes throughout the year. We believe in nurturing the whole child—academically, artistically, athletically, and socially—so that each student graduates ready to contribute and thrive.

At its core, the Weedsport Central School District remains committed to Inspiring Excellence, Ensuring Success—a promise reflected not only in our classrooms, but in the energy, unity, and resilience that define the Weedsport community. Whether you're raising a family, starting a new chapter, or returning to your roots, Weedsport offers a welcoming environment where every student—and every resident—can grow, contribute, and succeed.

The Weedsport Central School District Strategic Plan is the result of a transparent, inclusive, and data-informed process that spanned ten months and brought together a wide range of voices from across our school community. The Strategic Planning Committee, which included students, parents, teachers, support staff, administrators, and community members, met regularly to reflect on the district’s strengths, identify areas for growth, and shape a shared vision for the future.

Throughout this process, the committee engaged in thoughtful analysis and discussion, reviewing a broad range of information, including:

• Current and historical academic performance data
• Survey results from students, staff, families, and community members
• Enrollment trends and demographic projections
• Feedback from internal and external stakeholders
• Best practices in education, leadership, and student support

This work was grounded in our belief that collaboration, transparency, and data should guide decision-making. From the beginning, the committee remained focused on a single guiding question: What do our students need to succeed in life?

We are deeply grateful to the members of the Strategic Planning Committee. Their insight, dedication, and bold thinking were instrumental in crafting the mission, vision, and goals outlined in this plan. These volunteers gave generously of their time and ideas, united by a shared commitment to supporting the success of every Weedsport student.

This plan does more than reflect where we are today—it provides a clear vision for where we aspire to go. It charts a course toward becoming a premier and innovative school district that inspires excellence in academics, character, and community, preparing every student for personal and professional success.

Strategic Planning Team Members:

Colleen Borza

Timothy Cowin

Ann DeFazio

Deborah DeSantis

Jessica Docteur

Shantel Dolph

Melinda Ervay

Hannah Fancher

Taneka Harmon

Melissa Hrycko

Katrina Kime

Juliana Lovell

Leslie McDowell

Sherri Monell

Eric Quinn

Jeanette Rosenberg-Smith

Mariesa Simon

Gregory Stone

District-Wide Goal

Develop a district-wide culture of collaboration, shared responsibility, and continuous improvement by establishing Weedsport CSD as a Professional Learning Community (PLC), focused on data-driven decision-making and targeted student support to enhance learning outcomes.

SMART Goal – Professional Learning Community (PLC) Development 

Between 2025 and 2030, Weedsport CSD will build and sustain a district-wide culture of collaboration, shared responsibility, and continuous improvement by developing as a Professional Learning Community. Progress will be measured each year through an intensive staff survey that tracks growth in core PLC practices, including teamwork, shared decision-making, and data-driven support for student learning, with results showing measurable improvement annually.

Student Achievement Goal 1

Between 2025 and 2030, Weedsport CSD will demonstrate continuous annual improvement in key student outcomes, including proficiency on NYS Grades 3-8 assessments and Regents exams, performance on universal screening measures, graduation rates, and reductions in chronic absenteeism.  Progress will be measured using annual district and state data, with results showing consistent upwards trends in academic achievement and diploma attainment for all student groups.

Student Achievement Goal 2

Between 2025 and 2030, Weedsport CSD will expand general and advanced course offerings to align with student interests, support diverse learning needs, and enhance engagement and academic achievement.  Progress will be measured annually by reporting new courses added to the district’s offerings, tracking enrollment data for both general and advanced courses, monitoring student participation across demographic group[s to ensure equitable access, and gathering student feedback on course relevance and engagement.

Develop and implement a proactive and preventative Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework that systematically addresses the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all students. The model will prioritize early identification and intervention, using data-driven practices and tiered supports to reduce barriers to learning, promote equitable outcomes, and ensure comprehensive student success. 

SMART Goal – Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

Between 2025 and 2030, Weedsport CSD will design and fully implement a proactive Multi-Tiered System of Supports that addresses the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all students.  Progress will be measured annually through staff implementation surveys, analysis of student outcome data (academic performance, behavioral referrals, and social-emotional screening results), and documentation of early interventions provided.  Results will show consistent growth in early identification efforts, reduction of barriers to learning, and measurable improvement in equitable outcomes for all student groups.

Facilities and Operations Goal 1

Strengthen the safety, security and infrastructure of district facilities while creating modern, collaborative learning environments that support student engagement and success.

SMART Goal – Safety, Security, and Modern Learning Environments

Between 2025 and 2030, Weedsport CSD will strengthen the safety, security, and infrastructure of district facilities while creating modern, collaborative learning environments that support student engagement.  Progress will be documented and reported annually through photographs and descriptions of completed projects aligned with this goal, highlighting upgrades in safety measures, infrastructure improvements, and enhancement to learning spaces.

Facilities and Operations Goal 2

Advance the district’s technology infrastructure, including network, wireless systems, and devices, to ensure equitable access to innovative tools that support high-quality learning experiences and prepare students for success in the global workforce and economy.

SMART Goal – Technology Infrastructure and Access

Between 2025 and 2030, Weedsport CSD will advance the district’s technology infrastructure, including network capacity, wireless systems, and student/staff devices, to ensure equitable access to innovative tools that support high-quality learning and prepare students for success in the global workforce and economy.  Progress will be documented and reported annually through photographs and descriptions of completed technology upgrades and initiatives aligned with this goal, highlighting improvements in connectivity, access to devices, and integration of technology into learning environments.