Dear Chatham CSD Community,
The Chatham Central School District is seeking parents and community members who are interested in serving on our Future Planning Committee.
As you are probably well aware, our District has experienced a decline in student enrollment, a trend that has shown no signs of reversing. Combined with rising costs and decreases in state aid, it is our obligation to plan for a future with fewer students so that we can continue to meet their changing needs in an effective and efficient way. Preserving the opportunities, extracurricular activities, traditions, and overall educational quality we offer our students will remain the District's top priorities throughout this process.
The Future Planning Committee will play an important advisory role in evaluating how our declining enrollment may impact the District’s long-term operational needs, use of facilities, and costs.The Committee will also be tasked with exploring and prioritizing several possible scenarios - from maintaining the current school building footprint to consolidating programs or repurposing space.
From there, school officials will share the scenarios with all community members for feedback. Ultimately, any decision that gets made will be that of the Board of Education based on the data and feedback we receive.
We are seeking four parents as well as four representatives from the greater community to serve on the Committee, which will also include school leaders, teachers, support staff, and students.
The Committee is expected to meet once each month from October, 2026 through June, 2027, generally from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Members should be committed to attending meetings regularly, reviewing materials between meetings, and participating in respectful, collaborative discussions.
We invite parents and community members interested in serving to submit a Letter of Interest to the Office of the Superintendent by emailing administrative assistant Kelly Hodges, at hodgesk@chatham.k12.ny.us no later than September 18.
Letters of Interest Should Include The Following:
Name
Address (or municipality)
Phone number
Email address
Category (Parent/Guardian, Community Member, Business Owner, Senior Citizen, Alumni, Other)
Why are you interested in serving on the Future Planning Committee?
The perspectives, experiences, or skills you would bring to the committee.
Your ability to attend monthly meetings from October through June (6:00–7:30 p.m.)
Anything else you would like us to know.
Applicants will be considered based on their responses, ability to meet the expectations of committee membership, and the goal of creating a balanced committee that reflects the communities, experiences, and perspectives within the Chatham Central School District. Final appointments will be made by the Superintendent.
If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of available positions, the Superintendent may use a brief interview process to assist with final selection. If interviews are conducted, those interviewed will be asked the same questions and considered using consistent criteria.This approach is intended to provide a fair and transparent selection process.
The School District looks forward to this work with our entire community. Please don’t hesitate to contact Superintendent Andrew Kourt with any questions at kourta@chatham.k12.ny.us.
Fondly,
Andrew Kourt
Chatham CSD Superintendent