Board of Education receives Utilization Study final report
January 29, 2026The North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education received the final Utilization Study report at its Jan. 28 meeting. The report is the collective work of a Utilization Study Committee whose charge was to support long-range planning and help ensure district resources are aligned with future educational demands and career readiness.
Conducting a Utilization Study is a healthy and responsible step for a school district as enrollment patterns, student needs and educational programming evolve over time. The process allows districts to plan proactively and use resources wisely to best support students now and in the future.
The Utilization Study Committee was made up of a group of diverse stakeholders, including students, parents, district staff and community representatives, led by outside educational consultants. The committee toured various schools and facilities and studied a wide range of district considerations as instructional needs and workforce expectations continue to evolve. The final report presents multiple long-range options for consideration and does not recommend immediate action.
As part of the study, the committee reviewed enrollment projections, instructional programs, facility use, transportation, staffing and financial considerations. Together, the Board of Education and district administration will review the findings and recommendations to guide future discussions and planning decisions focused on supporting students now and in the future.
“Last night’s meeting was about receiving information, not making decisions,” Superintendent Dr. Terry Ward said. “The Utilization Study Committee report reflects months of thoughtful work by a diverse group of stakeholders. It provides a shared foundation for the Board and administration to move forward together as we consider how best to align our facilities and programs with future educational and career-readiness needs.”
Community engagement will be an important part of the process moving forward. The district will offer opportunities for staff, families and community members to learn more about the Utilization Study and share feedback, including a community forum planned for February. Additional details about engagement opportunities will be shared as plans are finalized.
The full Utilization Study report is available here.
