West Seneca board hears sustained public opposition to proposed redistricting; committee to meet May 22

West Seneca Central School District leaders and dozens of residents used the board's May 6 meeting to air concerns about proposed school redistricting plans, pressing the district to slow the process and explore alternatives.

The superintendent, Dr. Krueger, told the board the redistricting committee will meet May 22, that district staff will present final options and a recommendation at the board's June 3 meeting, and that adoption of a plan could occur at the June 17 meeting. Dr. Krueger emphasized the committee's work has been underway since fall 2022 and resumed in November 2024.

The issue drew a long public comment period focused on students' social and emotional risks from mid‑school moves and on equity. “These are children, not wounds,” parent Amy Scott told the board, urging officials to “put our students first.” Parent Jeremy Weingarten said his neighborhood has been “targeted” by maps under repeated consideration and asked the board to remove “option 6” from discussion. Several students also spoke about anxiety at being moved away from friends and routines.

Board members and the superintendent outlined procedural context and responses to alternatives suggested by speakers. Dr. Krueger explained that adding permanent classroom space is subject to New York State Department of Education approval for capital projects and noted the district currently has underused space (Winchester Elementary is leased to BOCES) that the district must consider before proposing new locally funded additions. “New York State Department of Education must approve any capital improvement projects,” Dr. Krueger said, and, he added, state aid considerations affect the financial feasibility of additions.

Speakers urged the board to consider grandfathering cohorts, to analyze whether reconfiguration (changing school grade configurations) might better keep student cohorts together, and to exhaust non‑boundary solutions such as reusing existing buildings or reorganizing programs. Board members repeatedly said they want a long‑term fix rather than a short‑term “band‑aid.”

The district asked the public to continue providing input: the redistricting committee will solicit feedback after its May 22 meeting, and the board expects a formal presentation June 3 followed by deliberations. Dr. Krueger and board members emphasized they will take time after any decision to plan transitions, including transportation and staffing, to minimize disruption for students and families.

What happens next: the redistricting committee meets May 22, the board will receive a recommendation June 3, and any formal adoption could occur June 17. Residents were told the district will publish meeting agendas, minutes and maps and continue accepting written feedback.