Parents urge board to avoid displacing students as redistricting work continues
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Summary
Several parents told the West Seneca board they were worried about proposed redistricting options that could reassign neighborhoods and move children across the district, asking the board and committee to favor plans that preserve current school placements and limit disruption.
At the April 8 West Seneca Board of Education meeting, multiple parents used the public comment period to press the board and the redistricting committee to avoid reassigning neighborhoods in ways that would move students to different schools. Speakers said the proposed changes could disrupt children’s academic and social stability.
Parent Joe Mihalak, who identified himself as the parent of three children in the district, said his family “decided to move to West Seneca specifically for our current schools” and asked the committee to “consider alternatives that maintain current school boundaries and do not displace students to the other side of the district.” His remarks emphasized stability and the emotional consequences of changing schools.
Other commenters echoed that concern. Lauren Aramini said she found the process rushed and urged the district to allow more time for families to review options; she said meeting minutes were released the same day and community members did not have adequate time to absorb proposals. Christie Pilo said she appreciated the transparency so far but asked that community voices remain central as the committee’s work proceeds.
Board members responded that the redistricting committee will continue studying options. Superintendent Dr. Cervone said district staff and the committee will present updates and that the redistricting committee meets next on April 24. He said staff would study specific ideas — for example, whether keeping fifth graders in a K–6 configuration at a particular building would relieve pressure at an adjacent school — and bring data-backed recommendations to the committee and board.
Board members repeatedly urged public participation and emphasized they are examining trade-offs. They noted the board hopes to have final recommendations by the June meeting so the district can plan implementation for the 2026–27 school year, but several members said they want the work to be thorough rather than rushed.
The board took no vote on redistricting at the April 8 meeting. The committee will continue to gather data and hold meetings; the board chair encouraged stakeholders to use the district’s redistricting website and to attend future forums or submit written feedback.
