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Community Advisory Committee Members for Merger Study

Posted Date: 07/28/26 (02:00 PM)
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Dear Community Member:


The Southampton UFSD and the Tuckahoe CSD have hired Meyer Merger Studies & Consulting to lead a merger feasibility study to collaboratively research information and provide facts to the Boards of the Districts and their communities regarding a potential merger of the two districts.


A Community Advisory Committee for the study is being created to provide representation for all residents, taxpayers and stakeholders of each respective district in the study process.  A goal of the Committee is to enhance the flow of information to and from district staff and residents during the study process and ensure that the most accurate and up-to-date information is analyzed, easily available, and widely communicated to school district stakeholders.


The Southampton UFSD’s Community Advisory Committee will work in collaboration and in combination with a similar committee from Tuckahoe, as organized and guided by Meyer Merger Studies & Consulting.


Meetings will take place from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at a central site that may rotate from one district to the other on the following dates: October 13, 2026; November 10, 2026; January 12, 2027; March 8, 2027; and April 7, 2027. Between meetings, committee members will be asked to review various documents and community concerns raised and provide ideas/insights electronically as necessary to the study consultant team.  


If you wish to be considered to be appointed as a member of Southampton UFSD’s Advisory Committee, please contact Zach Epley by email to zepley@southamptonschools.org.  Please note that the size of the Advisory Committee is limited.  Therefore, it may not be possible to select everyone who expresses an interest in serving on the committee.


We look forward to hearing from you.  Please feel free to contact the Board of Education at BOE@southamptonschools.org should you have any questions.


Sincerely,

Zach Epley

President of Southampton UFSD’s Board of Education


CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL COMMITTEE MEMBERS INCLUDE:

  • The ability to listen to all sides of an issue and to respect the opinions of others.

  • Acknowledged by the community as one who represents a ‘constituency’ within the respective district.

  • The ability and comfort to accurately convey ideas and information verbally to fellow community members.

  • The ability to see a ‘big picture’ yet able to appreciate and understand details with a focus on the main mission of a school district which is to serve students effectively and with quality as defined by the community.

  • Believes in transparency of the study work, data and process.

  • Has the willingness and ability to commit the necessary time to attend all (most) meetings in a timely manner and to contribute to the work for the Committee and study.

  • Has demonstrated a previous interest and involvement in some aspect of the school district and/or community.

  • Is a resident of the respective school district.

  • Is willing to be accessible to community members to help communicate about the work of the Committee and the study process.

  • Understands the process of consensus and is willing to work with others to identify and then support a consensus recommendation.

  • Understands and accepts that recommendations of the Committee are advisory in nature to the Boards of Education and to the communities of the districts.