Lisa Blake

The Lackawanna City School District's 'Blueprint for Excellence' is a strategic plan developed through collaborative efforts to provide a roadmap for continuous growth and improvement. It focuses on three core priority areas: The Student Experience, The Staff Experience, and Connected Community. The plan aims to educate, equip, and empower students, foster a beacon of educational excellence, ensure all employees feel valued, and strengthen community engagement through equitable and inclusive communication.

The vision is to be a beacon of educational excellence, fostering a community where students are inspired to lead, innovate, and embrace diverse cultures. The mission is to educate, equip, and empower students to lead with knowledge, compassion, and courage, supported by Title Grants focusing on educational equity, teacher development, English learner support, and student enrichment.

The strategic plan for Lackawanna City School District focuses on educating, equipping, and empowering students to lead with knowledge and courage. The district aims to be a beacon of educational excellence by fostering a community where students are inspired to lead, innovate, and embrace diverse cultures. Key strategies include creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, connecting with each student, expanding learning beyond the classroom, and building staff capacity to promote higher levels of learning. The plan also emphasizes partnerships with Erie 1 BOCES and the YWCA WNY to provide career opportunities and support for all students.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various personnel matters, including retirements, appointments, and resignations for both teaching and non-teaching staff. The board addressed general items such as amendments to MOAs, IHO list updates, and contracts for special education services. Financial matters were also on the agenda, including the approval of a donation for the MRES Adaptive Playground and agreements for health and welfare services. Additionally, the board received and filed reports, including the May 2025 Treasurer's Report and budget transfers.

The Board of Education meeting included presentations on school improvement, recognition of a Super Steeler Award recipient, and approval of minutes from previous meetings. The agenda covered personnel matters, including the appointment of principals, a social worker, summer teaching staff, and a developmental specialist. The board also approved resolutions for tenure for multiple teachers across various subjects and levels. Additional actions included approving board canvasses, resignations, graduate credit hours, and creating/posting for various teaching positions. Non-teaching personnel actions, general items such as CSE/CPSE meetings and MOUs, and financial matters like approving internal auditing services were also addressed. The meeting concluded with public comments and a moment of silence in honor of a deceased student.