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School board notes as submitted by the district.
Review of agenda for May 15, 2025, and May 21, 2025, Board of Education Meetings
Superintendent Laurrie reviewed the agenda for the evening’s, board meeting. A few highlights: a vote on the acceptance of funds for the 2024/2025 Elementary and Secondary Education (ESEA) Title I School Improvement Planning Grant; and five short-term contracts. The board approved both items.
There will be back-to-back board meetings on June 5 and June 12, 2025. On June 5, 2025, Niagara Falls High School Chief Educational Administrator Cheryl Vilardo will provide a high school graduation report. At the June 12, 2025, meeting, the board of education will introduce Dr. Lloyd Holmes, the new president of the State University of New York (SUNY) at Niagara. The board will welcome Mary Beth Smith from the Francis Center at the same meeting. Smith and the Francis Center have been invaluable to Bloneva Bond Primary's K, 1,2 programs. The NFCSD will be leasing space on 60th Street to the Francis Center so the organization can work with students and families at Cataract Elementary.
The Wednesday, May 21, 2025, meeting will begin at 8:00 p.m. The district will not live-stream the meeting to the public. At this meeting the board will certify the results of the May 20, 2025, board election and budget vote.
The Golden Apple Award
On June 12, 2025, the board will distribute four Golden Apple Awards to:
- Totally Buffalo Cares
- Joe Sparbati
- The Niagara Area Heritage Foundation
- The Buffalo Bills Foundation
2025 – 2026 School Year Calendar
Administrator for Human Resources Maria Massaro revealed the 2025 – 2026 school year calendar. Schools will open the new year staggered by grade level from September 3 to September 5, 2025. The full district calendar will be delivered to homes at the end of August 2025.
Superintendent's Report
- Congratulations to the NFCSD’s newly tenured staff
- At its games on May 17 and May 20, 2025, the varsity boys baseball team will be wearing throwback uniforms from Trott Vocational School, LaSalle High School, and the Niagara Falls Powercats
- At its July 1, 2025 meeting, the district will introduce Harjot Kour, the board's first ever ad hoc student board member
- Cataract Elementary's 3-D art display unveiling on May 14, 2025, was a huge success. Congratulations to Art Teacher Michael Johnson for creating the concept and involving students
- The District Art Show on May 15, 2025, was a big hit with a large elbow-to-elbow crowd in attendance
- Congratulations to Wolverine golf team members Sal Constantino, Jr., and Peyton Hutchinson, who qualified for the New York State Sectionals
- Thank you to volunteers from The Chapel who work at Harry F. Abate Elementary and Cataract Elementary schools, on cleanup and other projects
- NFHS has a record 29 candidates for the Seal of Biliteracy this year
- On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Lions Club will honor the NFCSD's fifth grade students
- On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Police Athletic League will honor Students of Excellence and will have a special dedication to the late Robert DiFrancesco
- Niagara Falls High School will celebrate its 25th anniversary on May 29, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
- The NFCSD has been selected by PDK (a group of educators from across Western New York) as one of only three school districts to present on the topic: "What should you do as a school district for mental health?" The presentation will take place on May 27, 2025
- The NFCSD's Zeroeyes security program kicked off Friday, May 16, 2025. All exterior cameras at all district buildings now use AI to detect weapons outside schools
- The district is working on its cellphone ban policies. On May 28, 2025, a survey will be conducted. The district will also hold open forums to explain the cellphone ban and address questions and concerns
The next meeting of the Niagara Falls City School District Board of Education is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. at the district administration building, 630 66th Street.
