Harpursville Central School District welcomed senior leaders from the New York State Education Department on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, for a site visit highlighting the district’s partnership with Binghamton University Community Schools and its coordinated approach to student and family support.

Dr. Jeffrey Matteson, Senior Deputy Commissioner, and Dr. Gemma C. Rinefierd, Assistant Commissioner for Student Support Services in the Office of Education Policy, toured district facilities and met with school leaders to observe how the university assisted community school model operates. The visit focused on how partnerships between schools, higher education, and community organizations strengthen student outcomes and support families beyond the classroom.

During the visit, NYSED leaders observed the work of Binghamton University social workers and interns embedded in the district. These professionals provide direct support to students and families while helping connect them to community-based resources. District leaders shared how this coordinated model removes barriers to learning by addressing academic, social, emotional, and basic needs in a unified way.
The tour included the Hive Market, the district’s school food pantry that provides perishable and non-perishable food through partnerships with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and Good Neighbors. Visitors also toured the district’s Hygiene Hub, operated in partnership with the United Way of Broome County, and the clothing closet, both of which provide essential items to students and families in need.

The visit concluded with a debrief session that allowed for discussion about the district’s approach, lessons learned, and opportunities for continued collaboration. Superintendent Heath Georgia said that the community school framework strengthens relationships, improves access to services, and supports students so they are ready to learn.

This site visit is important because it provides state education leaders with a direct view of how community school partnerships function at the local level. It also highlights Harpursville Central School District as a working example of how schools, universities, and community organizations can align resources to support students and families more effectively.

Local news coverage of the visit can be found here: 
https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/state-officials-visit-harpursville-central-school-district/
https://www.wicz.com/news/new-york-state-education-department-officials-visit-harpursville-central-school-district/article_806e7ebc-8c7c-44b9-afbb-8d363ff7121c.html