District’s COMPASS initiative continues with November 12 workshop on future-focused learning

The Northport-East Northport School District is inviting residents to take part in the next COMPASS Community Engagement Workshop on Tuesday, November 12, at 7pm at Northport High School. The session will focus on future-focused learning, a topic that emerged as a top priority during the district’s first workshop on October 6.

The COMPASS initiative is a yearlong process designed to engage residents, families and staff in shaping a long-range plan for the district. The first workshop brought together 54 participants for a 40-minute overview of the State of the District presented by Superintendent Dr. Dave Moyer. During his presentation, Moyer touched on future-focused learning, defining it as a way to prepare students for the future with an emphasis on life readiness (in addition to the more traditional focus on college and career readiness). 

Future-focused learning would also focus on technological literacy (AI, using technology in the classroom), personalized learning and hands-on experiences (STEM and career pathways) and particular skill sets that would help students thrive in the future.

“The Northport-East Northport school district is steeped with tradition. While we respect the past, and should learn from the past, we cannot live in the past,” Moyer said at the meeting. “We believe that we have a responsibility to simultaneously care for the present and enable the future. This is a challenging balancing act for schools…. We have to focus on educating students for their future, not our past.” 

Following the presentation, attendees worked in small, randomly assigned groups to identify key concerns, questions and priorities for the district’s future.

Key Takeaways from October 6 Workshop
Across twelve discussion tables, several common themes emerged that will guide the district’s ongoing COMPASS process:

Future-Focused Learning
Nearly all groups identified future-focused instruction as a priority. Participants wanted more clarity on how the district’s Profile of a Graduate and Future-Focused Learning framework translates into classroom experiences. Many asked about balancing technology and traditional learning in the classroom, and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in student learning. Some groups suggested expanding language instruction, increasing real-world and career-based learning opportunities, and assessing soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving.

Declining Enrollment and Programming
Declining enrollment was one of the most frequently mentioned topics at the October 6 meeting. During his State of the Union, Moyer stated that district enrollment has dropped by about 25% over the past decade and noted important impending decisions about future programming, staffing and facilities use. Groups raised questions about how/if the district can continue to offer a range of opportunities while adjusting to reduced enrollment.

Staffing and Class Sizes
More than half of the groups identified staffing as an area for deeper analysis. Participants wanted to understand how current student-to-teacher ratios and staffing levels align with declining enrollment. Groups also asked about the balance between retirements and new hires.

Financial Priorities
District plans to manage costs while enrollment declines was a major topic brought forth by the groups. The LIPA settlement’s effect on long-term financial stability was also questioned. Groups asked for clearer, more accessible financial data so that residents can stay informed about major budget and capital decisions.

Student Well-Being
Some groups also emphasized social-emotional learning and inclusivity as ongoing district priorities. Participants wanted to learn more about how tools like Panorama are used at the middle and high school levels, and how the district supports students with special needs and English as a New Language (ENL) learners. Anti-bullying efforts and the balance between academic success and emotional well-being were also noted as concerns.

Facilities and Long-Term Planning
Facilities planning emerged as another important topic. Eight groups expressed interest in how the district prioritizes capital improvements and safety upgrades; they also questioned how deferred maintenance projects will be addressed. Participants asked for information on the district’s repair schedule and how it will maintain state-of-the-art environments in old school buildings. 

Communication and Community Engagement
The importance of consistent, transparent communication was highlighted by about half of the groups. Concerns about district information being siloed or difficult to find were expressed, and residents suggested improving outreach, including to those without children in the schools. Many saw the COMPASS process itself as a positive example of collaboration and encouraged it to continue as a way to build understanding and trust. Trying to find ways to get more people to attend the meetings was a common concern as well. 

A detailed summary and all verbatim responses from the October 6 discussions are available here. 

Looking Ahead to November 12
The next COMPASS workshop on November 12 will build directly on the community’s feedback, focusing on what future-focused learning should look like in Northport-East Northport classrooms. Following a brief presentation from district leaders, attendees will work in small groups to discuss topics such as artificial intelligence, technology in education, life readiness skills, and hands-on learning experiences through STEM and career pathway programs.

“This process is about listening, learning and collaborating,” said COMPASS Community Co-Chair Molly Feeney Wood. “At our first community workshop, families and staff made it clear that preparing students for the future through career pathways, technology and personalized learning is a key priority. This discussion builds directly on that feedback.”

Community Co-Chair Lynn Cromeyn added that the workshops are an opportunity for residents to both learn and contribute to district planning. “There was great dialogue happening at each table at the first workshop, and I’m hoping that continues,” she said.

The November 12 workshop is open to all district residents, whether or not they attended the first session. It will take place at Northport High School from 7 to 9pm. 

A video of the entire October 6 workshop, including Dr. Moyer’s presentation and discussion of future-focused learning, can be found here.