Multiple parents, students and community members urged the Pittsford Central School District Board of Education to pause the district's ShinShinim cultural exchange program, saying the visits have presented one-sided material and at times allowed military messaging in classrooms.

During public comment speakers described instances they said were upsetting or exclusionary. "This program highlights service in the Israeli military," said Sarah Alishwawi, a Pittsford graduate now studying nursing, adding that students reported being told they were "disrespectful" when they asked questions about Palestine. Alicja Paul said she saw slides with "very political greater Israel maps" and said a classmate's mic was taken away when he asked about Palestinians.

Speakers asked the board to suspend the program until the district can demonstrate stronger curricular oversight, transparent complaint procedures and assurances that multiple perspectives will be included. Anis Fizzoli, a parent, said the visits raised concerns about bringing "active military conflicts and politics into our classrooms" and suggested a neutral cultural exchange or partnerships with school-to-school exchanges instead of speakers who have deferred military service.

Superintendent Mike Pero responded after the public comment period and apologized for any trauma caused, saying he had approved family notification emails this year and that the current program operated at Barker Road and Thornell Road this year. Pero said, "your voices are heard," and indicated the district would convene further discussions to determine next steps.

The board did not take an immediate policy vote or issue a suspension at the meeting. Board members thanked commenters for their civil remarks and said they would continue the conversation at a future meeting or working session.

Context: The ShinShinim program (sometimes described as a cultural exchange) has been active in district schools since 2017, according to speakers; several public commenters told the board they either had not received prior notice in earlier years or felt prior notice and oversight were insufficient. Speakers also said there was no clear, transparent complaint process when concerns were raised. The district's website and district communications were referenced during the comments but the program's curricular materials and the district's vetting procedures were not presented at the meeting.

What the board said it will do next: Superintendent Mike Pero said district staff had approved parental notifications this year and that he would convene district leadership to discuss the program's future and how to address the concerns raised publicly.

Ending: Speakers urged the board to act promptly; the board left the item open for further administrative review and possible policy action at a later meeting.