Laurie Ferris

The meeting included recognition of staff and students from Emmet Belknap Intermediate School for demonstrating Lion Pride. The board discussed the Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP). The board approved several financial transfers, including transfers to the Tax Certiorari Reserve Fund, Debt Service Reserve Fund, Employee Benefit Accrued Liability Reserve Fund, Employee Retirement System Reserve Fund, Workers' Compensation Reserve Fund, and Capital Reserve Funds. The board also approved a Memorandum of Agreement between Lockport City School District and the Orleans/Niagara BOCES on the distribution of proceeds from litigation with JUUL Labs, Inc. Additionally, the board addressed personnel matters, including appointments, resignations, and tenure recommendations. Policy revisions related to wellness, diversity, equity, inclusivity, non-discrimination, anti-harassment, workplace violence prevention, and child abuse were approved. The board also discussed a collapsed pedestrian bridge at George Southard Elementary School and potential courses of action.

The School Comprehensive Education Plan for Emmet Belknap Intermediate School for 2024-2025 focuses on improving academic growth in ELA and Math for targeted student populations, specifically African American/Black-ATSI and Hispanic/Latino-PTSI students, through consistent curriculum implementation, targeted support, and restructuring the master schedule to increase instructional time. It also aims to foster a sense of belonging among students and families by utilizing support staff effectively, implementing attendance incentives, continuing social-emotional interventions, and celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusivity. The plan includes specific strategies, implementation steps, resource allocation, and progress targets to monitor and achieve these goals.

The meeting included recognition of students and staff for demonstrating "Lion Pride." Discussions covered the cell phone policy, proposed district goals for the 2025-2026 school year, and environmental consulting services. The board confirmed the tax levy and issued the tax warrant for the 2025-2026 school year, approved an amendment to the employee benefit plan to incorporate a separate vision benefit, and approved the District-Wide Safety Plan. Agreements were approved with Student Transportation of America, Inc. and YWCA of Niagara, along with an amendment to an agreement with Rehab Associates Physical Occupational Therapy of WNY PLLC. The board also approved the Lockport Public Library flat roof replacement project and awarded bids for natural gas and General Fund Capital Repairs. A donation from National Income Life Insurance Company was accepted. Several personnel appointments, resignations, and other staffing changes were approved. Policy 7312 regarding student cell phone use was approved, and textbook adoptions for Emmet Belknap grades 5 & 6 Social Studies were approved. The LHS, CU, and EB School Comprehensive Education Plans (SCEP) and the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan (DCIP) were approved, along with the Athletic Code of Conduct for the 2025-2026 school year. The Committee on Preschool Special Education and Committee on Special Education Minutes were approved. A legislative update was provided, and the board discussed a webinar on district funding and the updated version of the portrait of a graduate. The Superintendent commented on summer programs and the upcoming Leadership Retreat. An executive session was held for matters of a confidential nature.

The strategic plan for Lockport City School District focuses on supporting the whole child, building a strong foundation for academic excellence, creating welcoming and affirming environments, maximizing facilities for organizational efficiency, and empowering and investing in staff. Key goals include improving communication of student support services, enhancing parent communication around curricular initiatives, increasing cultural competency, and creating mentor programs for staff.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various business and personnel matters. Key actions included rescinding and approving amendments to service agreements, approving health plan documents and agreements, and approving insurance renewals. The board also approved a food service management program, a facilities inspection technology proposal, and awarded bids for general fund capital repairs. Agreements with Panorama Education, Supplemental Health Care, and Management Advisory Group of NY were approved, along with a budget transfer and an amended school district calendar. Personnel actions included approvals of memorandums of agreement, appointments of lead evaluators and various staff positions, resignations, and approvals of unpaid time. The board also approved collective bargaining agreements and appointments for summer learning programs and mentors.