School Board notes

The Niagara Falls Board of Education held its meeting on July 31, 2025. Superintendent of Schools Mark Laurrie detailed the district’s smart device/cellphone policy at great length, which is in line with the New York law passed in May 2025. The highlights of the Niagara Falls District policy include the expectation that students in grades PreK–6 will store their devices in a locker or cubby and that grades 7 – 12 will receive a locking Yondr pouch to secure their devices. Parents will have multiple methods of communicating with their child and the staff. This includes signing up for a Remind app, which allows for direct communication. A four-step disciplinary approach is included in the policy for non-compliance. The board passed this policy later in the meeting with a unanimous vote.

The board also reviewed and ultimately passed a policy relating to indoor classroom temperatures as required by the state. The policy requires that any classroom area exceeding 82 degrees must receive accommodations, including fans, water, and other methods of relief. If the indoor temperature reaches 88 degrees, all attempts to relocate the class or dismiss the class/school for the day should be taken. It was noted that nearly all district facilities will be air-conditioned beginning in September 2025.

The board passed a contract with Dr. Marcus Thomas for staff training on autism and approved the contract for the 2026 Senior Prom to be held at the Niagara Falls Convention Center on June 18, 2026.

Additional approved resolutions included:

• Approval of new grades 6 – 8 literary resources called Study Sync
• Approval of transportation contracts with Niagara Falls Coachlines and First Student at a rate increase commensurate with the CPI of 3.4%
• Approval of a planned services agreement with Stark Tech for the maintenance of district security cameras and intrusion devices
• Approved payments for capital projects work to: Scufari Construction ($483,288.10), Frey Electric ($30, 922.50), and Stark Tech ($14,953.00)

The superintendent welcomed Interim Operations and Maintenance Director Michael Macri to the team. He replaces the retired Earl Smeal. Principal on Special Assignment Carrie Buchmann reminded everyone that the annual PreK and Kindergarten Jamboree will take place on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Niagara Falls High School Fieldhouse from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The next meeting of the board of education will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at 630 66th Street, Niagara Falls, New York