Lauren Pacheco

The board discussed several procedural updates to the agenda, including the order of student representative updates and the handling of the general fund budget as a standalone item. Recognitions were presented to various student athletic teams for their achievements in fall sports, as well as to staff members for acts of heroism. An executive session was held to discuss legal proceedings, litigation, employment matters, student disciplinary appeals, and property acquisition. During public comments, concerns were raised regarding the funding of a supervisory position for the CLRI department and the budget allocated to the student leadership network, with claims that the latter usurps the work of district bargaining unit members.

This Student Success Plan by Buffalo Public Schools serves as a roadmap detailing its instructional theory of action, initiatives, and beliefs. Developed to address student needs following recent disruptions, it emphasizes a Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Framework. Key areas of focus include creating welcoming and affirming environments, maintaining high expectations with rigorous instruction, offering inclusive curriculum and assessments, and providing continuous professional learning. The plan outlines specific instructional priorities and supports across Early Learning, Elementary, Middle, and High School levels, covering core subjects, arts, and career and technical education. Comprehensive supports and services, including assessment, culturally and linguistically responsive initiatives, parent and family engagement, social-emotional learning, and staff development, are designed to foster student achievement and well-being.

The board discussed the annual budget presentation, highlighting the alignment of the budget with the district's strategic plan and the effort to mitigate the budget deficit. Key topics included the reduction of central office positions, adjustments to class sizes, the implementation of programs for students with autism, and capital improvement projects. Financial projections were also reviewed, detailing revenue sources, state aid categories, and expenditure analysis, with an emphasis on long-term fiscal planning and the necessity of upcoming difficult decisions to address future deficits.

This strategic plan, titled 'Moving Forward Together,' outlines the direction for Buffalo Public Schools over the next five years. It focuses on four key priorities: academic excellence, supporting the whole child, fostering student-family-community collaborations, and ensuring efficient, effective, and equitable operations. Key objectives include increasing ELA, math, and science proficiency by 20 percentage points by June 2031, improving graduation rates, enhancing student belonging and attendance, reducing chronic absenteeism and suspensions, increasing family and community participation in school events, and maintaining fiscal health and facility safety.

The 2025-2026 Continuation Plan for Harvey Austin School #97 outlines key strategies to enhance student achievement, ensure equity, and cultivate a supportive school climate. The plan emphasizes rigorous, standards-aligned instruction supported by data analysis, and fostering strong student, family, and community relationships. Key focus areas include refining student engagement, teaching, and learning practices, strengthening family-school partnerships, integrating technology, and promoting a positive school culture with social-emotional learning. The plan also details enhanced attendance interventions and continued extended learning opportunities, alongside initiatives to ensure consistent teacher attendance.