Spencerport Central School District residents will have another opportunity to learn more about the Urban-Suburban Inter-District Transfer program Tuesday, February 3.
The district is considering joining the program and will host the upcoming informational meeting at the Spencerport High School Performing Arts Center beginning at 7 p.m.
District officials say the meeting will provide an additional forum for residents to learn about the program, present follow-up information requested by the Board of Education and offer another opportunity for community input.
A meeting in December drew a large number of residents who expressed opinions on both sides of the issue.
The district has worked since the December meeting to “engage the leaders from Urban-Suburban and participating districts to obtain their insight into questions raised on best practices, data/research on student performance, the program’s cultural impact to their schools, and revenues/expenses,” Superintendent Mike Crumb says. “We realize the importance of holding this additional meeting to engage community input and encourage a respectful dialogue about the Urban-Suburban program as part of this review.”
Spencerport began its consideration of the Urban Suburban program last fall and district officials explain that participation in the program – which has been in place in Monroe County for 50 years – would provide more diversity and perspectives within the district’s schools.
Superintendent Crumb has stated he anticipates that if approved, the program would be phased-in over five years.
“Each district selects the applicants they wish to host, and there is no mandate or quota to accept urban students,” the district states on its website.
If it is eventually approved by the school board, the program would initially have two entry points – at first and sixth grades. Acceptance of an average of six students at each entry point for the first five years and then first grade only beginning in year six – unless the superintendent recommends additional students in sixth grade. First grade students would be assigned in all four elementary schools based on space availability.
“While the main intent for proposing Urban-Suburban was not financial, additional benefits include filling available spaces due to declining enrollment; maintaining academic opportunities; and generating revenue,” according to a press release prepared by the school district.
The district has also stated it would receive approximately $10,000 per student per year. Transportation for Urban-Suburban students is paid for and arranged by the Rochester City School District and New York State.
During the meeting in December, some residents expressed support for the program noting it is selective and includes students who are academic achievers as well as boosts diversity. Others raised concerns that students from the city would bring city problems like drugs and violence to the district.
The Spencerport School District has reached out to other districts in the program for insight and information. The Brockport Central School District joined the Urban-Suburban program in 1967.
Brockport Superintendent Lesli Myers, Ed.D., has extensive personal and professional experience with the program. As a student at Pittsford growing up, she had friends in the program. Today, she sees the program from an educator’s standpoint and notes it has many benefits.
“I think that it is absolutely wonderful,” Dr. Myers says. “I experienced it as a student … all my friends (who were in the program) are now doing very well … they were glad to have that opportunity and experience.”
She says she is also happy to have the program at Brockport. “Our community does a phenomenal job supporting each and every one of our students.” Dr. Myers says she attended the December meeting in Spencerport to be available to answer questions.
“It’s a passionate issue,” she explains, “with a new program, people will be passionate – people want to make sure they are informed.”
Dr. Myers commends Spencerport Superintendent Mike Crumb for his efforts and work to inform the school board, the community and district stakeholders about Urban-Suburban. “He has done a good job getting information out and being transparent,” she observes.
She explains that Urban-Suburban students in Brockport become part of the school community. “They are bonafide Brockport Central School students. We don’t look at it as, ‘Here is a Special Ed student, here is an Urban-Suburban student.’ Once they are part of the community, they are part of our community. I love that we don’t make distinctions.”
There are currently 75 Urban-Suburban students in grades 4-12 at Brockport, Dr. Myers says. Students in the program are active in extra-curricular activities including music, the arts and athletics.
“They participate in all we have to offer,” she says and notes that of the districts involved in Monroe County, “Nobody has pulled out once they have become involved. That attests to the viability and success of the program.”
She says the Brockport Central School District will do whatever it can to help get people educated and informed as Spencerport deliberates whether or not to take part in the program.
“It’s a community decision,” she says.
