Southampton board previews new district branding video, highlights strategic plan

The Southampton Union Free School District superintendent introduced a short branding video and said it will be the first of a three‑part series designed to showcase programs, students and the district’s five‑year SET SAIL SOAR strategic plan. The district said the videos will spotlight literacy, numeracy and critical‑thinking supports, dual‑language programming, Shinnecock language and culture offerings, and expanded STEAM and AI integration.

The clip included student testimonials — praising teachers, music, AP courses, robotics and the Shinnecock language class — and district narration describing schools as “welcoming, affirming places where every student is empowered to excel.” Julianne Purcell, who worked on the project with district staff, said the video helps “highlight what we are doing in the district so people can see” and noted additional, topic‑specific videos (for example on the dual‑language program) are planned.

At least one board member said they were surprised staff had not consulted the board before releasing the clip, saying they were “disappointed” not to have been asked. District staff responded that the video is part of a broader communications effort tied to the strategic plan and bond‑related outreach and that future clips could be released on a regular cadence (staff suggested annual updates are possible). The board was told BOCES support was used for drone footage.

The presentation concluded with staff saying the videos are intended to help tell the district’s story to current and prospective families as the district prepares for bond outreach and continuing communications tied to the strategic plan.