School Board meeting recap

On Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, the Niagara Falls School District Board of Education approved 15 resolutions and 10 short term contracts.

Prior to the voting portion of the meeting, Marcia Capone, administrator for assessment and chief information officer (CIO) and Mallory Leo, Kalfas Primary School English as a new language teacher, presented a re-cap of Walk the World, a celebration of the different cultures found all over the Niagara Falls Community.

Walk the World 2024 included more than 55 countries and cultures. More than 14 local restaurants offered culturally diverse cuisine and more than 25 local vendors and agencies provided support and giveaways.

The approximately 1,000 individuals on hand spoke a combined total of 20 languages. Attendees not only enjoyed the food, they were treated to 20 engaging activities and including cultural performances of song and dance, sports, and a fashion show.

Short-term Contract Highlights:

Among the short-term contracts the board approved:

• A continuing partnership with SUNY Niagara for the District’s PTECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) program. SUNY Niagara provides training for OSHA cards as part of the PTECH program. One hundred fifty-nine students are enrolled in PTECH this year.
• Funding for NFCSD sports physicals for winter athletes to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center
• Funding for the September 16, 2024 – December 21, 2024 SUNY Niagara Parent Education Program

The board approved 15 resolutions. Here are a few highlights:

• Acceptance of funds from the City of Niagara Falls for assistance in the operation and maintenance of the Our Schools Channel (OSC)
• Approval of acceptance of funds for the 2024/2025 school year Smart Scholars Early College High School grant
• Acceptance of funds for the 2024 – 2025 Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) Grant in the amount of $4,357,010

Superintendent’s Report

• Two military recruiters who attended the meeting were acknowledged and thanked for their service
• The winter sports schedule is available – please be sure to attend an event!
• The Cataract Classic is Dec. 6 and 7, celebrating our boys basketball team
• At 4:30 p.m., on Dec. 7, at the Cataract Classic, the district will retire the number 30 worn by Mr. John Hayes, a former stand-out Power Cat basketball player
• Superintendent Laurrie congratulated NFHS Seniors Selena Govern and Tori Frank for their accomplishments in diving. Frank took part in the New York State Diving Championships in Henrietta, New York the weekend of Friday, Nov. 22. Govern qualified for diving sectionals
• The NFHS students working with the Niagara County Building Trades on the Hyde Park gazebo will complete the roof sometime in the spring
• On Dec. 4, the Niagara County Building Trades will honor teacher Matt Rajczak for working with students in NFHS’ building trades program; students in the program will also be recognized
• Several Niagara Falls High School seniors have been chosen for the Area All New York State chorus: Brianna London (grade 12), Sarina Fields (grade 12), Elsa Rodriguez-Pedraza (grade 12), and Allie Clark (grade 10)
• On Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Kalfas Primary, Nasreen and Anas Akta distributed 500 turkeys

The next meeting of the Niagara Falls City School District Board of Education is at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5, at the NFCSD Administration Building, 630 66th St.