The Fayetteville-Manlius School District was recently honored by The School Superintendents Association (AASA) for its work to engage families and the community to enhance learning experiences and support for students.
On Nov. 1, F-M was one of six school districts to be named an AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse System. The designation highlights F-M’s commitment to transformative education and continual innovation on behalf of our students and community.
To be selected, a district must demonstrate significant growth and serve as models for change in one or more of the following focus areas:
- Social Emotional-Cognitive Growth
- Future-Ready Learners
- Cognitive Growth Model
- Learners as Co-authors
- Diverse Educator Pipeline
- Early Learning
- Technology-Enhanced Learning
- Community Alignment
F-M was awarded this designation for its exemplary work in the focus area of Community Alignment. The district has continuously demonstrated its commitment to the community, from including it as one of the four key components of its strategic planning process to partnering with local organizations and businesses, including Syracuse’s Feldmeier Equipment, Camp Good Days and Special Times, Gabrielle’s Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, Central New York Mental Health Counseling, Contact Community Services. F-M offers opportunities for engagement through committees and forums such as Parent Council, Mental Health Task Force, DEI Committee and the annual community survey, and by reporting out to all community stakeholders in an intentional and transparent manner with the publication of the District’s Annual Report.
“This award recognizes our commitment to fostering an innovative and inclusive educational environment that helps students to prepare for their future and not our past,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Craig Tice. “We are humbled by the conferral of the award and understand our unique responsibility as an organization to simultaneously model continuous improvement and to serve as a ‘beacon of hope’ for others throughout the nation.”
Thirty-seven districts nationwide have been named Lighthouse Systems since the designation was established in 2022. F-M is one of only four school districts in New York State to earn the recognition.
The selected districts are part of AASA’s Learning 2025 Network – a group of more than 130 forward-thinking, learner-centered school systems, including urban, suburban, and rural districts, all united to drive educational policy and enhance student outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Learning 2025 Network?
The Learning 2025 Network is a nationwide initiative inspired by the transformative report from the AASA Learning 2025 National Commission. It aims to revolutionize public education, making it more student-centered, future-oriented, equitable and inclusive. By joining this network, Fayetteville-Manlius is aligning itself with a movement of nationwide districts dedicated to transforming the education landscape for the better.
Why did we join?
At F-M, we believe in providing an educational environment that addresses all aspects of a student’s development — academic, social, emotional and mental health. The Learning 2025 Network’s vision aligns seamlessly with our mission and provides us with the resources, mentorship and collaborative opportunities to enhance our educational system.
What does this mean for our students?
Joining the Learning 2025 Network empowers us to serve our students’ needs better. We will have access to a wealth of resources and professional development opportunities, allowing us to adopt innovative strategies and best practices from districts nationwide.
We are committed to equipping our students with the skills, knowledge and mindset necessary to thrive in the future. Join us as we shape a brighter future for all our students through the AASA’s Learner-Centered Future-Driven Education Network.