Administrators outline three CCEP goals and expand restorative practices in Niagara‑Wheatfield schools

Marissa Village, a district presenter, told the board that the district’s Comprehensive District Educational Plan centers on three goals: cultivating a “safe, healthy, inclusive, and supportive environment,” accelerating academic and social learning, and increasing community engagement and partnerships.

“We wanted to make sure we reviewed the 3 goals that kind of our anchors in everything we do,” Village said. Administrators said staff- and teacher-led efforts — including professional learning communities, restorative-practice committees and character-education teams — are driving work across middle and high schools.

A principal who spoke during the presentation (name not given in the recording) described physical and procedural safety measures, including single-point entries, a weapons-detection system and an electronic monitoring tool referenced in the transcript as “0 eyes,” which school staff say is intended to identify potential intruders with weapons. The principal said those measures, combined with relationships-building programs, have reassured families.

Administrators reviewed curriculum and instructional supports: this year’s rollout of new Earth and space science and biology standards, planned additions of physics and chemistry next year, and use of EduCLIMBER and PLC meetings to analyze attendance and academic data. They said consortium work through BOCES and partnerships with SUNY Niagara and Niagara University provide teacher professional development and opportunities for students.

Presenters highlighted student programs and supports: National Honor Society activities, a family support center that distributes food and clothing, and expanded CTE and career-pathway efforts such as an accounting and finance pathway that administrators said could carry up to 12 college credits. The transcript records 90 students applied for the Seal of Civic Readiness and about 65 students expressed interest in the Seal of Biliteracy.

District staff said restorative circles are now held systemwide twice a month and that teachers and trained student facilitators lead the sessions to build community and address social-emotional needs. Administrators also noted outside-agency partnerships for mental-health supports and prevention programming.

No formal board vote on the CCEP occurred during the meeting; the presentation was given for information and the board moved on to routine agenda items.