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Candidates emphasize community engagement and transparency as top district needs
Summary
At a candidate forum for the Cornwall Central School District board, several candidates named transparency and better two-way community engagement as a leading challenge and proposed increased outreach, surveys and presence at community events to gather input.
Multiple candidates at the Cornwall Central School District forum said the district must improve transparency and community engagement so parents and community members can more easily understand board decisions and participate.
"When I talk to parents, our biggest problem is transparency, which is no one's fault," Jamie Cox said. She and other candidates proposed expanding outreach with community events, surveys, social-media updates and a broader communications committee that includes community partners.
Candidates said the board should publish responses to public comments and make it easier for those who cannot attend lengthy meetings to receive and respond to information. One incumbent described a board policy change that allows answers to public comments at the following meeting, and said that remains an area needing improvement.
Why it matters: sustained community engagement affects voter turnout for budgets and board elections and can shape support for capital projects and policy decisions.
Candidates gave practical suggestions: hosting tables at Riverfest and other community events, circulating anonymous surveys to parents and staff, and forming a communications committee with broader membership that can both gather input and publish follow-up responses.
Ending: Candidates repeatedly urged voters to participate in forums, attend board meetings and vote in the upcoming election as ways to keep communication channels open between the district and its stakeholders.
