The Fayetteville-Manlius Board of Education wants to hear what’s on your mind.
On May 7, board members will host a pilot listening session for students, staff, parents and
community members to share their thoughts directly with members of the board. The listening
session reflects the board’s commitment to strengthening community engagement, increasing
transparency and providing additional channels for communication with the board.
There will be no formal agenda for the event, which will take place from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Wellwood Middle School. Participants are welcome to drop-in for any portion of the 60-minute session.
“We have heard from some staff and community members that they would like to be able to talk
with board members in an informal setting outside of our board meetings,” Board President
Sarah Fitzgerald said. “We are excited to pilot a new way for district stakeholders to share their
perspectives and better understand the board’s work as we shape the future of our schools
together.”
The listening session will have four board members in attendance. Due to the nature of the
event, board members will not be able to respond to individual comments or address issues
directly. Feedback and key themes from the session will be shared with the full board and, as
appropriate, the superintendent and district administrators. Topics from the listening session
may also be included in future board meetings for further discussion.
All attendees must follow event guidelines to ensure sessions are inclusive, productive and in
line with district policies. Discussion of specific students or district staff will not be permitted and
should be addressed in accordance with the district’s Chain of Command.
“The F-M school board is committed to meaningful engagement with students, families, staff,
partners and community members,” Fitzgerald said. “We want to know what’s on people’s
minds: what the district is doing well, where we can improve and what we should do that we’re
not already.”
Event Information
- May 7, 2026
- 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Wellwood Middle School
What is the board of education’s role?
The board of education is the official policy-making body of the school district. It is responsible
for carrying out the laws and regulations pertaining to the education of the community’s children. The board adopts school district policy, curriculum and programs of study, and approves the hiring of all personnel as well as establishing the conditions of employment.
In addition, the board is responsible for facilities oversight, establishing an annual budget, and setting a tax levy. As part of its governance responsibilities, the board works closely with the district superintendent but is not involved in the day-to-day operations of schools or facilities.
More information on the board of education can be found on the district website.
Who serves on the board?
The F-M board is composed of nine school district residents who are elected by voters to three-
year terms in the annual election. Terms are staggered so that three members are elected each
year. They are not compensated for their work as board members.
In addition to the elected members, the board includes a non-voting student member selected
each year by the administration to serve a one-year term. The student, who must be a senior at
F-M High School, attends all public meetings and is allowed to participate in all public
discussions.