The Gates Chili High School administrative team presented a wide-ranging update to the district board, highlighting student recognitions, student-support initiatives and new instructional spaces.

Tom Hamlin, high school principal, introduced Spartan Pride recipients and members of the administrative team, and then outlined work tied to district goals. On social-emotional learning, Hamlin said the school runs monthly SEL lessons aligned to New York State standards through Schoology, with counselors reviewing data for concerning trends. The school is also piloting restorative practices with teacher and student champions.

Administrators described a new cell-phone and internet-use policy implemented this year. "Students have really adapted to this," a presenter said, noting tiered infractions and restorative follow-up; school staff reported only "about 6 to 8 phone calls a day" for device issues out of an enrollment of roughly 1,140 high-school students, and that very few students reached a tier‑3 device check-in plan.

A proposed peer-mentor program would pair trained upperclassmen (10th–12th grade) with new students for the semester, require mandatory mentor training, and ask mentors to meet with mentees at least twice a month. Mentors would track meetings and could earn volunteer hours.

On academics, the team described a shift to data-driven instruction: the high school administered screeners for reading and algebra three times this year (fall, winter, spring) and used fast-turnaround results to plan MTSS adjustments and AIS supports. The district has moved from Naviance to a new career-planning tool called School Links to help students set goals and explore career pathways.

Special-education programming has expanded with a new 6–11 program, a converted life-skills suite equipped with a kitchen and laundry for authentic skills instruction, and a sensory room in progress. Administrators also described partnerships that bring fine-arts students into work-based placements with food service and maintenance.

Facility and program upgrades include new CTE classrooms — sewing labs and a second culinary kitchen — and technology and fabrication coursework using 3D software, CAD and hands-on metal and plumbing units. Library MakerSpace Friday activities now include 3D printing, robotics, coding and tournaments to increase student engagement.

Finally, the social studies department proposed a half‑year elective, "History of Sports in America," intended for 2026–27 as a high-interest option offered in multiple sections if approved.

Board members asked questions and thanked the high school team for the presentation; no formal action or vote on new courses was recorded at the meeting.