Niagara Falls City School District public meetings in 2023
22 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
December 21, 2023 7:00 pm - Regular Board Meeting
The Board of Education held a regular meeting to approve various routine items and new business. Key actions included accepting several state and federal grants, approving election district divisions, and authorizing several service contracts.
- Approval of 21 election districts and polling places
- Acceptance of grants for UPK, Title IIIA ELL, and Student Mental Health
- Contract for Evolv Technology weapons screening equipment at Community Education Center
- Bid approval for elevator and lift maintenance and repair services
- Agreement with Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers for crime prevention consulting
November 16, 2023 7:00 pm - Regular Board Meeting
The Niagara Falls City School District Board of Education held a regular meeting on November 16, 2023, where it approved routine items including minutes, budget transfers, personnel reports, and special education reports. The board also accepted several grants for the 2023/2024 school year and approved payments for HVAC work under the ARP capital improvement project.
- Approved Budget Transfer #4
- Accepted federal IDEA funding for students with disabilities
- Accepted PTECH and Smart Scholars early college high school grants
- Approved payments to DV Brown & Associates, CIR Electrical, Johnson Controls, and John W. Danforth for HVAC work
- Approved personnel reports for certificated and classified staff
November 9, 2023 (Board Review Session)
The Niagara Falls City School District Board is holding a Board Review Session (BRS) on November 9, 2023, at 5:30 pm. The agenda lists only this single item, marked as Information and Discussion, with presentation materials attached. No specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.
- Board Review Session (BRS) at 5:30 pm
- Presentation materials attached (BRS 11092023.pdf)
October 19, 2023 7:00 pm - Regular Board Meeting
The Niagara Falls City School District Board of Education held its regular voting meeting, approving routine items and several new business contracts. The board approved a $34,395.36 cyber security insurance policy, accepted the 2022-2023 independent audit, and authorized multiple professional service agreements for the 2023-2024 school year. All listed motions carried unanimously.
- Approved cyber security insurance with Coalition Insurance Solutions for $34,395.36 (Oct 1, 2023 - Sep 30, 2024)
- Accepted the 2022-2023 annual independent audit for filing with the Commissioner of Education
- Approved contracts with Compassionate Care of Niagara, HOGHOL, Game on Entertainment, TELL Consulting, and Everyday Labs for various school services
- Approved Payment No. 3 to DV Brown & Associates for HVAC work and to Cir Electrical Construction for electrical improvements under the ARP Capital Improvement Project
- Approved Budget Transfer #3 and bids for athletic strength training and nutrition coaching services
October 12, 2023 (Board Review Session)
The Niagara Falls City School District Board is holding a Board Review Session (BRS) to discuss and review information, with presentation materials attached. The agenda contains only this single discussion item and no specific decisions or proposals are listed.
- Board Review Session (BRS) at 5:30 pm
- Review of presentation materials (BRS 10122023.pdf, CS Presentation 10.12.pdf)
September 28, 2023 7:00 pm - Regular Board Meeting
The Niagara Falls City School District Board of Education held its regular voting meeting on September 28, 2023, approving routine items and new business. The board approved bids for gym floor refinishing and paint supplies, accepted several grants, and approved numerous contracts for professional services for the 2023-2024 school year.
- Approved Bid No. 7 Gymnasium Floor Refinishing to Archie Donoughe Sanding Inc. for $43,000
- Approved Bid No. 8 Facility Paint Supplies from Sherwin Williams with 66% discount
- Approved short-term contracts including $24,700 for Rev. MeKeeda Brooks and $16,000 for Jeffrey Warren Coaching
- Accepted funds for Learning Technology Grant, Teacher Resource Center, Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention, and Indian Education Grant
- Approved contracts with Easterseals New York, WNY Dyslexia Specialists, and Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club
September 14, 2023 (Board Review Session)
The Niagara Falls City School District Board is holding a Board Review Session (BRS) on September 14, 2023, at 5:30 pm. The agenda lists this as an information and discussion item, with presentation materials attached. No specific decisions or action items are listed in the agenda text.
- Board Review Session (BRS) at 5:30 pm
- Agenda type: Information, Discussion
- Presentation materials attached (BRS AGENDA 09142023.pdf)
August 24, 2023 7:00 pm - Regular Board Meeting
The Niagara Falls City School District Board of Education held a regular voting meeting on August 24, 2023. The board approved routine items including minutes, budget transfers, personnel reports, and special education reports. Under new business, the board approved acceptance of grant funds, amended safety plans and the code of conduct, and numerous contracts for professional development, consulting, and student services for the 2023-2024 school year.
- Approved acceptance of funds for 2022/2023 ESEA Title I School Improvement Planning Grant and 2023/2024 21st Century Community Learning Centers Prep Grant
- Approved amended District Code of Conduct, Building-Level School Safety Plans, and Comprehensive District-Wide School Safety Plan for filing with NYS Commissioner of Education
- Approved contracts with PLC Associates, LLC for professional development and consultation (multiple agreements, Sept 1, 2023 - Aug 31, 2024)
- Approved contracts with Marion Leonard (elementary math AIS PD), Big Picture Learning (coaching/mentorship), Curriculum Associates LLC, and Niagara Alliance for Restorative Practices (consulting)
- Approved contracts with Aero Car and Limo Services for transportation, Melinda A. Scime (mental health), Booker College Planning, Native Language Services, and Niagara University (early college programming)
July 6 2023 5 pm - Reorganization Meeting
The Niagara Falls City School District Board of Education is holding its annual reorganization meeting to elect officers and appoint district officials for the 2022-2023 period. The agenda includes administrative appointments, designations, and routine resolutions, with no major policy changes or public hearings.
- Appointment of Judith Glaser as District Clerk
- Appointment of Denise Kolber as Internal Claims Auditor at $38.00/hour, not to exceed $34,200
- Appointment of N.E.C. as Third-Party Administrator for Unemployment Insurance
- Appointment of Julie M. Jacklin as School District Treasurer
- Appointment of Mark Laurrie as Chief Emergency Officer
July 6, 2023 5:30 pm - Regular Board Meeting
The Niagara Falls City School District Board held a regular voting meeting on July 6, 2023, approving routine items and new business. Actions included approving the school lunch budget, confirming tax rolls and authorizing the tax levy, and approving numerous contracts for services such as legal counsel, auditing, and professional consulting for the 2023-24 school year. The board also approved the appointment of Judith M. Glaser as District Clerk and a lease agreement with the Niagara Falls Police Athletic League.
- Approved School Lunch Budget 2023-2024
- Approved resolution to confirm tax rolls, authorize tax levy, and issue tax warrant for 2023-2024
- Approved agreement with City of Niagara Falls for property tax billing and collection services
- Approved fee schedule for community use of school facilities 2023-2024
- Approved lease with Niagara Falls Police Athletic League for portion of NFHS
June 22 2023 7:00 pm - Regular Board Meeting
The Niagara Falls City School District Board of Education held its regular voting meeting on June 22, 2023, approving routine items and new business. The board approved a corrective action plan in response to the district's internal audit, enrollment projections for 2023-2024, a professional development plan, and multiple contracts for summer programs. All items passed with majority votes, with one member absent for several votes.
- Approved Corrective Action Plan (CAP) for FY 2021-2022 internal audit
- Approved 2023-2024 enrollment projections
- Approved 2023-2026 Professional Development Plan
- Approved contracts for summer programs with Niagara County Community College, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Playworks, and others
- Approved short-term contracts including Niagara University REACH Program ($8,300) and Fundations training ($12,500)
June 15, 2023 (Special Meeting)
The Niagara Falls City School District Board held a special meeting on June 15, 2023. The board convened an executive session to discuss contract negotiations under the Taylor Law, and then adjourned. No other substantive business was conducted.
- Executive session for contract negotiations under the Taylor Law
- Motion to convene executive session carried unanimously
- Motion to adjourn executive session at 7:10 p.m. carried
May 17, 2023 7:00 pm - Regular Board Meeting
The Niagara Falls City School District board approved several contracts for professional development, construction management, and educational resources. The board also approved the use of pesticide for tick control at Niagara Falls High School and accepted amendments to existing capital improvement project contracts. All motions passed with seven votes in favor, while Michael Capizzi was absent for most votes but present for adjournment.
- Approved contract with Buffalo Construction Consultants, Inc. for construction management of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Capital Improvement Project
- Approved amendment to Clark Patterson Lee, Inc. contract for architectural services on the ARP Capital Improvement Project
- Approved amendment to Buffalo Construction Consultants, Inc. contract for the A Breath of Fresh Air (ABOFA) Capital Improvement Project
- Approved use of pesticide on the grounds of Niagara Falls High School for tick control
- Approved short-term contracts including $12,000 for a male mentoring program and $5,000 for Head Start coaching
Board of Education 7:15 p.m. Special Meeting May 2, 2023
The Niagara Falls City School District Board of Education is holding a special meeting to consider several action items, including approving bids and contracts for construction and electrical work funded by the American Rescue Plan, as well as appointing additional election inspectors for 2023. The agenda also includes routine items like the pledge, prayer, roll call, and public comment.
- Approval of NYS OGS Contract #PC 69682 for a Toro Workman UTX Diesel
- Approval of Contract C122 for electrical construction (ARP project, Bid 15)
- Approval of Contract C123 for HVAC construction (ARP project, Bid 15)
- Approval of appointment of additional election inspectors for 2023
May 2, 2023 6:30 pm - Public Hearings Safety
The Niagara Falls City School District board is holding two public hearings: one at 6:30 p.m. on safety plans (including the District Safety Plan and Code of Conduct) and one at 7 p.m. on the Superintendent's Recommended Budget. The agenda includes presentations, public comment, and adjournment.
- Public hearing on District Safety Plan 2023 with Public Health Emergency Appendix
- Public hearing on Code of Conduct 2023 with Public Employer Health Emergency Plan
- Public hearing on Superintendent's Recommended Budget at 7 p.m.
- Public comment period
- Motion to adjourn
April 25, 2023 7:00 pm - Regular Board Meeting
The Niagara Falls City School District board approved the filing of amended district-wide and building-level school safety plans for public comment and a hearing on May 2, 2023. The board also approved a special meeting for May 2 and a statutory meeting for May 17. Notably, the board voted 6-1 to reject the 2023-2024 Administrative Budget for the Orleans/Niagara Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Routine items included the approval of personnel reports, short-term contracts, and a budget transfer.
- Rejected the 2023-2024 Administrative Budget for the Orleans/Niagara Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) by a 6-1 vote.
- Approved the filing of the Proposed Comprehensive District-Wide School Safety Plan, as Amended, for public comment and a hearing on May 2, 2023.
- Approved the filing of the Summary of Building-Level School Safety Plans as Amended for public comment and a hearing on May 2, 2023.
- Approved an amendment agreement for professional services with Aries Transportation Services, Inc. for the 2022-2023 school year.
- Approved Payment No. 4 to MLP Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. for Phase III of the Stewardship Capital Improvement Project.
March 30, 2023 7:00 pm - Regular Board Meeting
The Niagara Falls City School District Board held a regular voting meeting on March 30, 2023, approving routine items and new business. Key actions included approving the superintendent's recommended general fund budget for 2023-2024, accepting funds for the Stop School Violence program, and approving several contracts and agreements.
- Approved Superintendent's Recommended General Fund Budget for 2023-2024
- Accepted funds for 2022/2023 Stop School Violence Program
- Approved continuation application for 2023/2024 Head Start/Early Head Start grant
- Approved contract with Securitas Technology for Evolv weapons screening equipment (2023-2027)
- Approved short-term contracts including Father and Son Center Youth Mentoring ($10,000) and Winsor Learning ($3,500)
March 16, 2023 (Board Review Session)
The Niagara Falls City School District Board is holding a review session to discuss informational materials, including a claims audit summary for September through January and a presentation on the 2023-2024 budget gap. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only work session.
- Claims Audit Summary for September-January
- GAP #4 2023-2024 budget document
- Gaskill Board Presentation
February 23, 2023 7:00 pm - Regular Board Meeting
The Niagara Falls City School District Board of Education held its regular voting meeting on February 23, 2023, approving a series of routine actions and new business items. The board accepted multiple federal and state grants, approved contracts for mental health and restorative practices services, and set school election procedures. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved acceptance of 2022/2023 Title I, IIA, and IV federal grants
- Approved acceptance of 2022/2023 IDEA Part B, Section 611 funding
- Approved acceptance of 2022/2023 Statewide Universal Full-Day Pre-Kindergarten (SUFDPK) grant
- Approved contracts with BestSelf Behavioral Health, Mental Health Advocates of WNY, and others for mental health services (Feb 1–Jun 30, 2023)
- Approved school election procedures and public hearing date for school budget
February 9, 2023 (Board Review Session)
The Niagara Falls City School District Board is holding a review session to discuss and receive information on several items, including a presentation on the Soap Box Derby, the 2023-2024 GAP (likely a grant or program plan), the tax cap for the Board of Education, and an interactive board presentation. This is a work session focused on discussion and information, not final votes.
- Soap Box Derby presentation (revised final)
- GAP #2 for 2023-2024
- Tax Cap presentation for Board of Education
- Interactive Board Presentation (revised)
January 18, 2023 7:00 pm - Regular Board Meeting
The Niagara Falls City School District Board of Education held its regular voting meeting on January 18, 2023, approving routine items and multiple new business actions. The board accepted various state and federal grant funds, approved contracts and payments for construction and services, and authorized appointments to safety and code of conduct committees. An emergency resolution was passed to repair a broken water main at Harry F. Abate Elementary School.
- Approved acceptance of funds for Extended Day/School Violence Prevention, ESEA Title III Immigrant, UPK, IDEA Part B, and Mentor-Teacher Internship grants
- Approved amended agreements with Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for on-site occupational and physical therapy for 2022-2023
- Approved contract with School Bus Logistics, LLC for transportation consulting (Feb 1–Jun 30, 2023)
- Approved payments to MLP Plumbing, Ferguson Electric, and U&S Services for capital project work
- Approved emergency resolution to repair broken water main at Harry F. Abate Elementary School
January 5, 2023 (Board Review Session)
The Niagara Falls City School District Board is holding a review session to discuss capital projects and summer programs, with attached presentation materials. The board is also preparing for a public hearing on raising the debt limit for capital projects.
- Discussion of capital projects with presentation materials
- Review of summer programs for 2023
- Public hearing scheduled on raising the debt limit for capital projects