NSCSD Shares “Our True North: A Clear Direction for a Stronger Future"

June 3, 2026

At the June 1 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Terry L. Ward, II shared an update on the North Syracuse Central School District’s long-range planning work, now framed as Our True North: A Clear Direction for a Stronger Future.

This work builds on the efforts of the district’s Utilization Study Committee and reflects continued planning around students, programs, facilities, staffing, transportation and future grade configuration.

“Our True North” is the district’s long-range planning framework for aligning programs, facilities and grade configuration around the needs of students. It is not a slogan for a finished plan, but a commitment to move forward with purpose, transparency and public accountability.

During the presentation, Dr. Ward reviewed the committee’s work, the district’s planning process and the current direction for the 2027-28 school year. The current planning direction includes:

• CNS High School serving grades 9 through 12
• North Syracuse Junior High School serving grades 7 and 8
• Roxboro Road Intermediate School and Gillette Road Intermediate School serving grades 4 through 6
• Six elementary schools shifting to Pre-K through grade 3
• NSEEP remaining in its current building

The district will continue to refine planning details in the months ahead, including transition support for students, staff and families. Future planning will include family and community engagement, staff engagement, student transition activities, school visits, orientation sessions and shared decision-making committees.

Staff, families and community members are encouraged to visit the updated webpage to review the Board presentation, read frequently asked questions and submit questions or feedback.

Materials from the Utilization Study process have been preserved in an archive on the Our True North webpage so community members can continue to review the history of the district’s planning work.

Questions submitted through the online form will help the district identify common themes, clarify information and guide future updates.
Thank you for staying engaged as North Syracuse Central School District continues planning for a stronger future for all students.