Niagara Falls City School District

This School Comprehensive Education Plan for Cataract Elementary School outlines strategic initiatives for the 2025-2026 academic year. The plan focuses on improving student achievement through targeted interventions and enrichment opportunities, as well as promoting and sustaining social-emotional wellness through a comprehensive SEL curriculum. It details implementation plans, progress monitoring, and performance targets, incorporating evidence-based interventions and emphasizing collaborative development by staff, students, and families.

The Board Review Session focused heavily on the ongoing Maisto v. State of New York court case concerning public education funding and the Campaign for Fiscal Equity (CFE) standards. Discussion included the recent trial court ruling that full funding of foundation aid is a reasonable remedy, and the plaintiffs' appeal targeting November 2025. The Board also reviewed updates on the replacement of a catastrophic failed emergency generator at LaSalle Preparatory School. Furthermore, the Board addressed several grant acceptances, including funds for the P-TECH 2.0 Grant, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Prep Grant, the Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention Program, the Mentor-Teacher Internship Program Grant, the Niagara Falls Teacher Resource Center, and a Professional Development Grant from the CUNY Research Foundation. Approvals were also granted for accepting JUUL litigation settlement monies and applying for supplemental funds for Head Start nutrition and healthy eating due to a required refrigerator replacement at the Head Start Center. The Board also authorized the disposition of unused ballots from the May 2025 budget vote and appointed a new member to the Audit Committee.

Key discussions included feedback from a parent regarding the special education system, specifically advocating for student learning at their own pace and interest-branded learning pathways rather than a rigid pacing structure. A budget update revealed a projected use of $3.8 million in reserves due to increases in charter school costs and a child victims settlement. Expense increases (4.95%) are outpacing revenue increases (2.26%), leading to a $7.6 million budget gap. Graduation rates and drop-out rates were reviewed. Other topics included community service efforts by student groups, recognition of student achievements, and the presentation of a ceremonial resolution acknowledging a board member's resignation. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters and collective bargaining.

The Board Review Session commenced with a Native American Student Presentation where students discussed Native Heritage Month and the Haudenosaunee Flag, noting that every school now possesses a Native flag. The session also recognized the District and SUNY Buffalo for their Trauma Informed Care program with a NYSSBA Champion of Change presentation, supported by a grant from the Buffalo Bills Foundation. A significant portion of the meeting involved a Head Start Presentation detailing the annual review, governance structure, and significant federal changes in 2025 and expectations for 2026, including funding cuts and restructuring within HHS/OHS. Subsequent discussions covered a preliminary look at the 2026-2027 budget, noting potential reserve usage and anticipated increases in UPK funds balanced against rising utility costs and increased charter school tuition expenses. A major action item involved the election of a new Superintendent, Mr. Wojton, with commendations offered to the outgoing Superintendent, Mr. Laurrie. Contract approvals included services from Long Life Yoga, Read to Succeed for literacy tutoring, HOGHOL for culinary arts mentoring, Project L.E.E. Inc. for social-emotional support, and Community Missions, Inc. for "Girls Circles." Furthermore, the Board approved acceptance of Federal IDEA funding for Students with Disabilities and authorized principals to appoint Building-Level School Safety Teams and ratified appointments to the District Code of Conduct Committee and the District-Wide School Safety Team.

The initial Board Review Session on December 11, 2025, included a review of the upcoming agenda. Key discussion points involved the presentation by the ON-BOCES team next week, funding for short-term contracts such as realtor services for realty teaching, staff training alternatives to student suspensions, professional development, and Saturday Academy activities. The Board also reviewed upcoming resolutions concerning the acceptance of over $10 million in grants/entitlements, Head Start budget line transfers, acceptance of city funds for OSC-TV equipment, preliminary budget vote resolution action, amendments for Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy services by NFMMC, training for staff working with autistic students, and resolutions for extra services/programs at various schools, including one for 95 Hispanic students. Further resolutions addressed hiring a grant evaluator and trauma-informed care instruction. Agreements for renting space to BOCES at CEC and with the Wilson Center were also mentioned, alongside a negative type two declaration for the LPS emergency generator. A report highlighted that Mr. Carella is retiring in February 2026, detailed issues with the GPS pool due to a leak affecting rebar requiring substantial remediation and upgrades, and provided updates on revenue/appropriation status reports. Community engagement highlights included Say Yes Academy events, the NFHS robotics tournament, student community service projects, the Cataract City Classic Basketball Tournament benefiting scholarships, and hosting the NF Fire Department Toy Telethon. Recognition was also given to Grandma's Little Gifts and the VFW for supporting students. Congratulations were extended to Mr. Bilson and his daughter on a song placed on Spotify. The Board entered and exited Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. The subsequent meeting on December 18, 2025, began with condolences for Owen Steed, Sr., followed by a presentation from the ON BOCES team detailing their services, capacity building, adult education growth, support for new graduation requirements, and expanded partnerships. The Board again entered and exited Executive Session regarding personnel actions. In the Regular Meeting, a special recognition was given to Ms. Katie Edwards and Mr. Scott for medical emergency assistance at GJ Mann School. Routine matters included approving minutes, budget transfers involving multiple funds, and personnel reports. The Board acted upon recommendations from the Committees on Special Education and Preschool Special Education. Approval was granted for several Short-Term Contracts relating to training and Saturday Academy activities. New business involved the approval of acceptance of funds for the 2025/2026 Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Grant, the Smart Scholars Early College High School (ECHS) Grant, and several federal grants (Title I Part A, Title II-A, Title IV). The Board also approved an amendment to the 2025/2026 Head Start/Early Head Start Grant, accepted funds from the City of Niagara Falls for the Our Schools Channel, and established procedures, polling sites, and hearing times for the May 2026 School Election/Budget Vote. Finally, agreements for On-Site Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy services with the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for the 2025-2026 school year were approved.