Combined school meeting produces ideas

DUNDEE--"It's very clear that we are more alike than different."
This was Dundee Superintendent Kelly Houck's comment after the combined Dundee and Penn Yan school board public meeting last Wednesday, July 19.
The two school boards met in Dundee to discuss the possibility of more student opportunities utilizing the resources of both school districts.
Community members attended the meeting along with the school board members of both districts.
Student opportunities were discussed beyond academics. There was discussion surrounding extra curricular activities including athletics, music and drama.
Houck said, "We want to look at creating different or additional opportunities for students by aligning schedules and greater use of technology. Ensuring that our students have the necessary experiences and skills needed to be successful in whatever path they choose post graduation. Researching (beyond what we currently are already doing in these areas and others) purchasing, IT, transportation and other areas of school governance were other ideas generated as areas to look for efficiency."
After the meeting Penn Yan Superintendent Howard Dennis said, "I think everyone involved was pleased with the outcome of the meeting. The conversations were honest and open and were based on the needs of our students and making them the most successful we can make them. Both boards were very interested in learning more from the communities they represent so we are trying to put together a survey to gather additional input before our next meeting. We were very appreciative of the community members that attended--from both communities--and just want to hear more. Specifically, we are looking for feedback on the areas and methods they would like us to consider in exploring next steps. We are currently working on dates for that next meeting and will make the community aware as soon as we have set a date."
Houck summed up the meeting saying, "We have many of the same challenges and obstacles that we are trying to mitigate and we all want our students to have the best educational experience possible. We realize that there is some true potential for collaboration."