As Enrollment Declines, Northport–East Northport Seeks Community Input On Academic Choices

NORTHPORT, NY — As public school districts nationwide contend with declining enrollment and tightening resources, the Northport–East Northport Union Free School District is inviting community members to help shape the future of its academic programs.

With enrollment and revenue continuing to trend downward, district officials said public feedback will play a key role in informing Board of Education decisions about academic offerings in the years ahead.

The next COMPASS: Charting Our Future Together community workshop will be held Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. at Northport High School. The session will focus on several significant academic questions, including whether to expand the middle school day from eight to nine periods and whether the district should continue offering both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses.

“These are the kinds of decisions that shape students’ day-to-day experiences and the long-term direction of the district,” said Lynn Cromeyn, a COMPASS community chair. “Before any decisions are made, it’s important for the Board to understand what the community values and where there may be shared priorities or concerns.”

District leaders said declining enrollment requires a careful review of programs, staffing and student supports to ensure resources are used responsibly while maintaining strong educational opportunities.

“COMPASS is not about making decisions in a vacuum,” said Molly Feeney Wood, another community chair. “It’s about learning the facts, asking hard questions and giving the Board meaningful input that reflects the experiences of families, staff and community members.”

The Feb. 3 workshop will begin with a presentation reviewing district data, followed by small-group discussions. Participants will be asked to provide written feedback, which will be summarized and presented to the Board of Education as part of the district’s long-range planning process.

“Our community’s perspective matters,” said Ron Gaudreault, a COMPASS community chair. “This process ensures the Board hears directly from the people who care deeply about these schools before moving forward.”

COMPASS is a community-led engagement initiative designed to gather input before decisions are made about the district’s future. Feedback collected throughout the workshops will help inform a long-range plan and future recommendations to the Board of Education.

The workshop is open to all residents, including parents, staff, alumni, and community members without children currently enrolled in the district. Complimentary childcare will be available for children ages 5 and older. More information about COMPASS and the Feb. 3 workshop is available at northport.k12.ny.us/COMPASS.