Superintendent highlights district technology initiatives and William L. Buck Black History Wax Museum

The superintendent opened the board meeting with an operations update, saying the district "was able to open schools, safely and soundly" after recent snow and crediting the facilities director, Charlie Brocher, for preparing buildings. The superintendent framed the district's work around its motto—"make the connection, innovating our future"—and highlighted a recent parent academy focused on technology and innovation that was led by district staff and drew family participation.

The report described classroom uses of coding, an Avi robot and the audio-production platform Soundtrap. "I have the privilege of joining a fourth grade lesson that Miss Milanese held ... where students were actually making music using Soundtrap," the superintendent said, noting that the tools are used across all three district schools to support creativity and collaboration. The superintendent also described sessions attended at the National School Boards Association advocacy institute, saying federal topics included IDEA funding, AI infrastructure and career and technical education.

Principal de Blasio introduced two student presenters from William L. Buck School who described the school's Black History Wax Museum, a project that combined research, performances and visual art. A student presenter said the event "reminded me that history truly comes alive when we engage with it instead of just reading about it in a textbook." Another student, Carol Zormias, said playing Jimi Hendrix in the museum "was awesome" and added, "I absolutely love being a part of the Black History Wax Museum."

The superintendent closed by listing upcoming district events and meetings, including a legislative breakfast at Memorial (Feb. 28 at 9:00 a.m.), a board of education work session on March 11 at 6:45 p.m., March 11 and March 18 parent-teacher conference half days, Eid (March 20, no school), and the March 25 business meeting at 7:30 p.m. The superintendent also announced a March 26 coffee hour at Brooklyn Avenue School at 10:00 a.m.

The presentation emphasized family engagement and classroom innovation as district priorities; board members offered applause and thanks to students, staff and the district technology team. The superintendent's report concluded with recognition of teachers, principals and the technology department for supporting student learning.