Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District

The meeting commenced with procedural actions to exit executive session and enter public session, followed by the pledge of the flag. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing the monthly 'Falcons of the Month' students and congratulating four students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Discussions related to Goal One focused on cultivating a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment, detailing updates on the reunification plan, lockdown procedures for after-school activities, and the newly required cardiac arrest plan training for staff and students. Furthermore, safety drills, collaboration with local fire departments during Fire Safety Week, and the implementation of inclusive print materials representing various cultures and heritage months were highlighted. Goal Two covered accelerating academic, social, emotional, and physical student learning, emphasizing the effectiveness of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in breaking down silos to ensure common curriculum delivery. Updates included the rollout of comprehensive professional development, support for extracurricular teachers and specialists, and the implementation of a common master schedule that embeds Response to Intervention (RTI) blocks, leading to a reduction in high-risk students from 318 to 198 between the 2022-2023 and current school years. Safety technology enhancements, including new emergency go bags for reunification drills and a command center go bag for active shooter drills utilizing new platforms like Parentsquare, were also presented. The elementary buildings' focus on social, emotional, and physical wellness included instruction on social perspectives, mental health skills, and connecting families with community support resources such as food programs and mobile counseling services.

The meeting commenced with standard procedures, including the pledge of allegiance and resident comments. Key discussions included the presentation of educational materials challenging germ theory and advocating for logic in curriculum development. The board approved consensus items, including a land transfer agenda item, and accepted several personnel items, including the appointment of a technology teacher. Additionally, the board approved two policies regarding student/teacher data privacy and school safety. Updates were provided on capital projects, noting that construction remains on target. The superintendent reported on the Board Recognition Dinner and the NISSA conference where Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a major focus. The finance committee presented the budget calendar for the 2026-2027 fiscal year for approval. Finally, the board sustained the superintendent's decision regarding an appeal dated October 16, 2025, thereby denying the appeal dated October 26, 2025.

The meeting focused on CEP presentations, emphasizing the cultivation of a safe, healthy, inclusive, and supportive environment. Discussions covered safety measures such as weapons detection systems and zero-eyes technology, alongside programs like WEB and Link for mentoring and community building. The board also addressed academic acceleration, social-emotional learning, and physical well-being, with initiatives like restorative practice committees and character education. The importance of community engagement and partnerships was highlighted, including equity and education district committees, presentations from the Mobile Museum of Tolerance and the Holocaust Museum, and external speakers. The board further explored after-school learning opportunities, consortium participations, and strategies for continuous improvement, including the implementation of new science standards and restorative circles.

The meeting included a public hearing for the public employer health emergency plan, which was required by legislation signed by Governor Cuomo. The plan is to be submitted to unions for feedback and finalized by April 1st, 2021. The meeting also featured a legislative update presentation, discussing financial assistance, the digital divide, student health, school nutrition, universal pre-K, pathways to graduation, and school safety. The discussion covered the need for long-term investment in technology and Wi-Fi access, consistent funding for student health and nutrition, and flexibility in graduation pathways. The board also addressed concerns about federal aid and the governor's budget proposals.

The meeting included recognition of retirees, including Mrs. Christine Reer from the high school, and a performance by the jazz ensemble. Other retirees such as Mrs. Kathy Loveland, Miss Burke, Mary Beldon, Barbara Sullivan, Bob Jasper, Sandy Nisser, Jiren Ticket, Heidi Aquino, Linda D. Rose, Shelley Smith, and Moren Mack were also honored for their contributions. The student liaison to the board of education, Jonah Goldman, and Mrs. Julie FGO were also recognized for their service.