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Praise for Walk the World
Superintendent Mark Laurrie opened the meeting by praising the Walk the World (WTW) committee for the superb April 18, 2026, event, which drew over 1,000 attendees to Niagara Falls High School. The event celebrated the more than 50 countries represented with cultural food, attire, dance, and music. Laurrie shared a congratulatory letter from a parent, thanked the security staff and audio-visual team, and gave special thanks to the students involved.
2026 – 2027 NFCSD Budget
Superintendent Laurrie, Niagara Falls City School District Administrator for School Business Services, Julie Jacklin, and Budget Manager Markasia McCreary presented the final proposed 2026 -2027 NFCSD budget of $211,260,990
Although the budget projections indicate a $9 million spending gap, that gap was significantly narrowed through the thoughtful use of reserves, not by cutting programs or eliminating staff. There will be no increase in the tax levy for the twelfth consecutive year.
As expenses across almost all categories have risen and revenue has not kept pace, putting together a challenging spending plan was difficult. Insurance costs and food prices have increased significantly, and cafeteria prices and costs for school safety equipment (which is absolutely necessary, as keeping kids safe at school is the district’s number one priority) have risen tremendously. Without a New York State budget to reference for the foundation aid total, its best estimate—a 2.7% increase the district used over last year—putting approximate state aid at $3,943,704.
If the budget does not pass by a simple majority, a contingency budget will require the district to reduce spending. Community groups that wish to use district facilities must pay in advance. The district will also be prevented from purchasing any new equipment or student supplies.
Recommended actions from the Superintendent of Schools
The board approved 17 short-term contracts, including contracts with the following:
Short-Term Contracts for the Walk the World celebration:
1. Fuji Grill NF
2. Ghada Have It LLC W
3. Ty's Hyde Park Cafe
4. Anchai LaCarte Walk
5. New Punjabi Halah-Mirch Masala
6. The Mami House, LLC
7. Amanda Poreda House of Hips
Additional Short-term contracts·
8.Wahi Studio Art Jess Tomaino Mobile visual art experience
9. Niagara Downunder, Inc. Traveling petting zoo
10. UB Center for Literacy and Reading Instruction Reading Tutoring
11. She Drums Drum circle/fitness drumming
12. Buffalo Zoo Animal biofacts and animal ambassadors
13. Chair Massage Pit Stop Chair Massages for mothers attending the Say Yes
Saturday Academy
14. Peaceful Schools Social Emotional Learning through STEM activities
The board approved 18 resolutions, including:
- Superintendent's Recommended General Fund Budget for School Year 2026 – 2027
- The Real Property Tax Report Card for 2026-2027
- The proposed Comprehensive District- Wide School Safety Plan
- The proposed District Code of Conduct
- A contract between the Niagara Falls City School District and Via Evaluation, Inc. for Professional Grant Evaluation Services
- School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Approval of Contract for Consulting Services Between the City School District of the City of Niagara Falls and Because I Tried Enterprises, Inc. for student support services
- A contract for professional consultant services by an independent contractor for truancy prevention programs - R Cunningham Consultants, Inc.
- Acceptance of State Aid for the purchase of a new generator
Superintendent’s report
• There will be a public hearing on the 2026 – 2027 Niagara Falls City School District proposed budget at the Board of Education Meeting on May 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the district’s Administration Building, 630 66th Street, Niagara Falls, in the auditorium
• Cataract Elementary has entered into a partnership with the organization “Shoes That Fit,” and students will receive about 500 pairs of donated athletic shoes
• The next Saturday Academy is at Bloneva Bond Primary on May 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• The Special Olympics will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9:00 a.m. at Niagara University
• The annual Walk Against Child Abuse will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, starting with an opening ceremony at 4:30 p.m. at the Hyde Park Pavilion
• The Niagara USA Chamber will award our partner National Grid Green Energy Award at a luncheon on May 14, 2026, featuring Niagara Falls High School teachers Kimberlee Maynard and Rebecca Yots
- Bank on Buffalo and its Financial Literacy Program are donating $30,000 to Say Yes Niagara Falls
• The NFCSD’s new superintendent, Mr. Stan Wojton, effective July 1, 2026, will preside over the board of education meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2026
• The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performed live on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Niagara Falls High School (NFHS) Performing Arts Center (PAC) at 3:00 p.m. The theme of the performance was “The Rhythm of the Falls”
• The district is extraordinarily proud of three young women (LaSalle Preparatory School students) who will be heading to St. Louis, Missouri, for the World Robotics Championships: Nora Guarino, Essie Joyce, and Dakota Dixon
The next meeting of the Niagara Falls City School District will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 5:30p.m. at the NFCSD Administration Building, 630 66th Street, Niagara Falls.
