HCSD BOE Retreat 8 04 26

The Horseheads Central School District Board of Education held a special work session on August 10, 2026, focusing primarily on board committee structures, curriculum oversight, and community engagement strategies. The board discussed the challenges of committee participation and proposed limiting members to one additional committee beyond the mandatory audit and policy committees to reduce burdens. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to deliberating the formation of a curriculum committee to enhance board oversight of curriculum development and student achievement metrics. While some members expressed concerns about adding another committee due to attendance and staff workload, there was consensus on the need for improved reporting, possibly through a curriculum scorecard with measurable data presented periodically. The board also addressed community engagement, exploring ways to increase public participation and feedback, including the use of social media and listening sessions. Additionally, updates on the ad hoc committee related to transportation and school start times were provided, with plans to receive further data from transit consultants to inform potential changes. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn after agreeing to continue discussions on these topics in future sessions.