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Brighton officials report smooth school openings, note construction work and meal-service increase

5854481 ยท September 10, 2025
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Summary

District leaders and the student representative reported an overall smooth start to the school year, citing new phone policies, ongoing construction at multiple buildings, and a substantial increase in meals served after universal free meals began.

Brighton Central School District officials told the board on Sept. 9 that the school year opened smoothly despite construction projects across multiple buildings, the first days of new emergency drills, and the rollout of a new phone policy at the high school.

A student representative, Samantha, offered firsthand feedback on the high school's new cell-phone policy. "I think people, like, in like, don't hate it as much as they thought," Samantha said, adding that occasional inconveniences arise when students need phones to scan QR codes or access schedules but that students are adapting.

Superintendent Dr. McGowan and other board members praised staff and crews for preparing buildings while construction continues. Board members and the superintendent noted fire-alarm incidents related to construction at the middle school had been resolved and that safety remained the top priority.

Dr. McGowan also credited food-service and support staff with handling a large operational change: "we doubled the amount of meals...the job done by our food service staff was really unbelievable to make that happen," he said, referring to the increase in breakfasts and lunches following universal free meals.

Kristen Halligan (district/PTA staff) and other staff reported curriculum and program updates across elementary, middle and high schools, including new library shelving donated by Saint John Fisher and curriculum shifts in technology education and English language arts at the middle school.

Board members noted the district will continue to monitor construction progress, safety procedures and implementation of building-level changes, and they thanked staff and external partners for their efforts in the opening weeks.