Board opens discussion on a proposed football partnership with Midlakes; no vote tonight

Superintendent Bernard briefed the Manchester-Shortsville Central School District Board on March 26 about a possible football partnership with nearby Midlakes after the district’s survey and a Feb. 24 town-hall indicated declining participation. Bernard said the administration is recommending continued dialogue and a phased option for next year: merged modified A and B teams with standalone varsity, to be revisited at the end of the season.

"Student opportunity must remain at the primary focus," Bernard said as he summarized survey feedback and the recommended next steps, which included community information sessions and continuing talks with Midlakes. He emphasized that many logistics remain unresolved, including how colors and coaching assignments would be handled and elements potentially affected by collective-bargaining agreements.

Board members asked practical questions about transportation, scheduling and community identity. One board member raised the practical concern of ensuring buses and travel times so families without flexible schedules would not be excluded; Bernard and athletic staff said they would pursue transportation plans and suggested some practices and game times could be coordinated to minimize extra travel.

The administration emphasized there was no decision or vote scheduled for March 26 and that the recommendation was to continue planning and solicit community input. Superintendent Bernard said the district would host additional public sessions, invite football families to provide input and coordinate messaging with any partner district before any formal action.

Next steps: administration will continue talks with Midlakes, hold more community engagement sessions, and return with more detailed proposals that address transportation, uniform/identity options and bargaining/coach assignments.