The Marathon Central School District is composed of the Village of Marathon, the Town of Marathon, and the surrounding townships. It is situated approximately 30 miles north of Binghamton and fifteen miles south of Cortland on Interstate Route 81. The community is primarily rural, encompassing some 102 square miles. The District maintains a relatively stable population of 1,000 to 1,100 students. Approximately 300 of the students live in the village itself and the rest live up to 15 miles from school. A dedicated staff of professionals and para-professionals supports these students.
In Marathon, a stable long-term population has fostered a strong sense of community that supports programs such as the local library, local churches, and community service organizations. The community spirit has promoted a sense of commitment to the school district, which serves as a community center and a source of pride for all, including senior citizens and rural residents. There is a shared sense of the significance of local history, the importance of families, and the involvement of people of all ages in the community and the schools.
There are also many examples of community support for the schools. These include the Parent Teacher Organization, the Booster Club, the Shared Decision-Making Teams, and a Volunteer Parent program. An active Alumni Association is the oldest in the State. There are a number of service organizations within the schools. A high percentage of District staff resides in the community, and many have children who are District students or graduates. The community, conservative by nature, has always been progressive when it comes to the education of its children. The elementary school has been a publicized model for the Assured Readiness for Learning (ARL) program and for the implementation of a K-12 Integrated Health curriculum and Child Abduction Prevention Program “Bee Safe”. The Jr.-Sr. High School provides accelerated programs, college credit, and distance learning opportunities. A newly developed Business & Computer Technology Sequence has received state approval beginning in September 2002. It is also a state model. In both buildings a flexible compensatory/special education plan allows teachers to both push in to regular classes and pull students out for more intensive experiences. The use of consultant teachers in the four core areas in both buildings provides for more coordination of curriculum and services K-12. The district supports a strong professional/staff development program.
A well-developed Technology Plan guides the implementation of technology use in the classrooms. Statistics indicate that Marathon graduates achieve high rates of success in both future employment and in continuing their education. The district recognizes the need to provide access to the global community for staff and students. The enhancement of our distance learning capabilities and the opportunity to participate in online web classes will provide our students with additional academic opportunities. Additionally, the automation of the library facilities in both buildings and Internet connectivity will expand research capabilities for our staff and students.
During the 2003-2004 school year the elementary school piloted an Exploratorium. This specialized classroom will serve all grades K-6 in the building by providing a learning environment centered on the Math, Science, and Technology (MST) standards and hands-on learning. It incorporates existing programs and enhances inquiry-based learning. Additional district information can be found at the New York State Department of Education.
