Mathis A. Calvin

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a Roll Call, followed by presentations on Orleans/Niagara BOCES Programs & Initiatives, the New York State Inspires Initiative, and updates regarding the budget and school designation. Key action items included the acceptance of Treasurers' Reports for October and November 2025 and the receipt of Certification of Warrants Reports for November 2025. The Board awarded bids for General Fund Capital Repairs, specifically for the Door Replacement project, to Erie Contracting. The Amended 2025-2026 Tax Warrant was approved. Personnel actions involved numerous appointments, including a retired substitute teacher, student observers/teachers, extra duty advisors, and new elementary education teachers, alongside the acceptance of several resignations and retirements. Several policies underwent a second reading and adoption, including those related to budget administration, facilities inspection, leaves of absence, personnel evaluation, and artificial intelligence. Educational services actions approved multiple overnight field trips for LHS Robotics, LHS DECA, LHS Girls Wrestling, and MBK Stand & Deliver. The Board also approved minutes from the Committee on Preschool Special Education and the Committee on Special Education. Trustee Newman provided a legislative update regarding the federal budget, universal child care proposals, online student protection initiatives, and upcoming association events. Following an executive session to discuss confidential matters, the meeting adjourned.

The meeting included procedural items such as the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, followed by presentations from elementary school representatives regarding the mission statement. The agenda featured a budget discussion involving the Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Management and the Superintendent. Key actions included the acceptance of Treasurers' Reports for December 2025 and the receipt of General, School Lunch, Federal, and Capital Fund Warrants for the period ending December 2025. The Board approved an agreement with Playworks to improve recess and school culture, and an amendment to the UPK Agreement with the YWCA reflecting revised student enrollment and payment terms. Bids for General Fund Capital Repairs, involving door replacements at Lockport High School and Lockport High School West @ Charlotte Cross, were awarded to Erie Contracting. Personnel actions involved numerous appointments, including probationary and regular substitutes, as well as the acceptance of several resignations and approvals for retirements. The Board also approved a Separation Agreement with an employee. Policy first readings covered various safety plans and student health procedures. Legislative updates mentioned upcoming NYSSBA events and the need for timely budget funding approval before May 2026. Committee comments highlighted student achievements in sports and the arts, and the rescheduling of a cancelled Community Partnership Breakfast.

The meeting commenced with procedural items, including the recognition of staff and students from George Southard Elementary School for demonstrating Lion Pride. Key discussion points during the Public Forum centered on the George Southard Elementary Bridge Repair. Presentations included updates from Young & Wright Architectural on the bridge repair, Building Condition Survey results, and the Preschool Capital Project. Action items involved approving the agreement with Lockport Schools & Community Credit Union and awarding bids for Capital Improvement Projects 2025 - Phase 1 and 2021 - Phase 2C. Personnel actions included numerous appointments, resignations, retirements, and the approval of permanent appointments following probationary periods. The Board also approved the amended 2025-2026 School District Calendar and discussed the legislative update regarding recently signed bills and national concerns about the State Education Department structure. Several policies were presented for first reading or discussion, including those related to budget administration, facilities, leaves of absence, personnel evaluation, and Artificial Intelligence usage. The Board approved an overnight trip for LHS Athletics to a wrestling tournament and approved minutes from the Committee on Preschool Special Education and the Committee on Special Education. Finally, the meeting included an executive session to discuss confidential matters.

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.