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Students and staff report strong start to year; board hears updates on device law, capital work and trips
Summary
Student representatives reported fall activities and open houses; district leaders discussed implementation of New York's internet-enabled device law, ongoing capital work tied to a $9 million voter-approved project and approved upcoming student trips.
Students from Depew—s elementary, middle and high schools gave the board updates Tuesday describing orientations, leadership programs and fundraising events that marked the opening weeks of the school year. The board also swore in a student board representative in line with recent New York State requirements for ex officio student members.
Middle school eighth-grader Morgan Delconti described WEB leader training, orientation events and fundraisers. High school junior class president Kevin McCarthy summarized Link Crew activities that welcomed freshmen and a recent town-hall-style student senate meeting aimed at increasing club and student participation. Elementary student Avery Counts recounted screening of new students, open house events and supply drop-offs.
Superintendent Katie Smith told the board the district has implemented New York—s new rules on internet-enabled student devices alongside its district policy and procedures. "As with anything new, change can be difficult, and there's some speed bumps along the way," Smith said, adding that staff have observed increased engagement in classrooms and more face-to-face interactions in hallways.
Smith also updated the board on capital improvements: summer infrastructure work and technology-wing upgrades are complete with finishing touches scheduled through the fall, and the district is beginning initial planning for a voter-approved $9 million capital project. She said a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be scheduled once remaining items are finished. The board approved extracurricular travel on voice votes for an eighth-grade Cedar Point trip (May 28—May 29, 2026) and a high-school marching band trip to Washington, D.C., to perform in the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade (May 23—May 26, 2026); the district's only anticipated costs would be substitutes for chaperones if needed.
Students and school leaders also highlighted upcoming events including a fall festival, a college-aid information night and homecoming week in October. Board members and administrators congratulated staff and volunteers for what they described as an "amazing start" to the school year.
