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Pittsford highlights tutoring center growth and coordinated DASA protocol amid staffing pressures
Summary
Student Services reported growth of the district tutoring center and a new districtwide DASA protocol with POP tabletop drills; district leaders noted ongoing mental‑health staffing shortages and use of Title I–IV funds to support programs including an E&L summer program.
The Board heard an update on Student Services from Shana, who described the department’s responsibilities, recent growth in district resources and ongoing challenges.
Shana said the tutoring center — a position added during the last budget cycle — has increased capacity since BOCES tutoring funds were no longer used, and she credited the tutoring center coordinator and family engagement staff for outreach. She also described Title I–IV grant uses: Title I for high‑need schools, Title II for professional learning, Title III for English‑learner programs and Title IV for 'well‑rounded' education, including school safety and health. The district uses some Title III and IV funds to operate an E&L summer program.
On student conduct and safety, Shana explained that district Dignity Act coordinators (one per building) have formed a protocol and are using a POP (problem of practice) tabletop exercise with behavior specialists and a partner behavioral health pediatric team to walk through current incidents and brainstorm responses across all nine buildings. She described more consistent training and a new protocol to guide investigations and parent communications.
Shana acknowledged persistent staffing challenges — especially in mental‑health and related services — and said human resources posted early for several positions to attract strong candidate pools. She also noted contracts with Pittsford Youth Services for elementary and middle‑school social work and the availability of interpreter/translation services for family meetings.
The Board asked questions; Shana said there are no significant budget increases expected next year aside from contractual salary increases and some outside provider contract adjustments.
