Penfield Central School District is pleased to announce that it has officially joined the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Community Schools CoSER. This partnership will provide the Penfield with structured guidance, professional learning, coaching, and implementation support as the District develops the sustainable Community Schools framework.

“The Community Schools model transforms schools into hubs that connect students and families with academic, health, mental health, and community-based resources designed to remove barriers to learning and strengthen student success,” said Maycanitza Pérez, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services. “This work aligns closely with Penfield's Strategic Plan, particularly our commitments to strengthening systems of support, cultivating family and community partnerships, and creating supportive and inclusive learning environments for all students. It also complements our existing partnerships.”

The 2026-2027 school year will serve as Year Zero, the planning and readiness phase of implementation. During this year, Penfield will focus on assessing community assets and needs, gathering stakeholder feedback, strengthening partnerships, identifying existing supports, developing communication systems, and preparing staff for successful implementation.

Dr. Davné McGee, Director of Programs, will serve as Penfield's Community Schools Coordinator, providing leadership and coordination of this initiative as we build the foundation for long-term success.

For the initial rollout, the Scribner Road/Bay Trail Campus will serve as Penfield's first Community Schools Hub, with full implementation beginning in 2027-2028. This deliberate approach will allow the District to thoughtfully engage families, community organizations, students, and staff in designing services and supports that reflect the unique needs of the community.

Some of the anticipated benefits and outcomes of this work include:

• Stronger partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations.
• Increased access to academic, social-emotional, health, and mental health supports for students and families.
• Improved coordination of community resources and services.
• Enhanced family engagement and connections to schools.
• Greater responsiveness to identified student and family needs through data-informed planning and collaboration.
• A more comprehensive approach to supporting the whole child and promoting student success.

At this time, the District's initial implementation will focus on one Community Schools Hub at the Scribner/Bay Trail Campus, with planning occurring Districtwide throughout Year Zero. 

“Ultimately, the goal is to expand the reach, with Community Schools to each of Penfield's school campuses in the future,” said Perez, adding that throughout the year, the District will provide updates and opportunities for school communities to participate in the planning process.