New York / School Districts / NIAGARA FALLS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Multiple residents urged the board to prioritize evidence‑based instruction, better community engagement and transparency around superintendent selection. A speaker linked lack of proper instruction to later mental‑health crises and asked whether hires will address instructional gaps.
New York / School Districts / NIAGARA FALLS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
District leaders presented a 90‑page comprehensive technology plan centered on five domains (equity, AI, data, professional learning, cybersecurity). Superintendent Mark Laurrie proposed using about $2.8 million in remaining Smart Schools Bond Act funds to replace devices for grades 7–8 and staff to avoid burdening the general fund.
New York / School Districts / NIAGARA FALLS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
District staff presented the third budget update for 2026, reporting a remaining gap of about $6.7 million after savings and one‑time adjustments. The board discussed using debt‑service reserves, BOCES cost pressures and the property tax cap/levy limit.
New York / School Districts / NIAGARA FALLS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
At a Niagara Falls City School District work session, parent Jim Yurozzi urged the board to adopt interest-based learning pathways and a growth model for students with IEPs, saying the current one‑pace system causes emotional harm and hampers meaningful learning.
New York / School Districts / NIAGARA FALLS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
District leaders presented budget projections showing expenses outpacing revenues, a projected $7.6 million gap, plans to use about $3.8 million of prior reserves, and possible cash‑flow measures such as a revenue anticipation note while staff pursues expense reductions.
New York / School Districts / NIAGARA FALLS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The board read a resolution recognizing Michael Capizzi Jr.'s resignation effective Feb. 12, 2026, thanked him for his service and shared brief remarks; no subsequent vote was recorded on the record at the work session.
New York / School Districts / NIAGARA FALLS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
At a Jan. 22 public meeting the Niagara Falls City School District reviewed a preliminary 2026–27 budget draft showing a projected $7.6 million gap; officials outlined possible responses — use $2.0–2.5M of reserves, modest levy increases, spending cuts or finding new revenue — and flagged a $2.2M UPK aid increase and need for four special-education classrooms.
New York / School Districts / NIAGARA FALLS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Niagara Falls board voted to appoint Stan Wooten as superintendent effective July 1. Board members publicly congratulated Wooten during roll-call debate and the appointee pledged to prioritize student well-being and equity.
New York / School Districts / NIAGARA FALLS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
During public comment several speakers urged the board to prioritize academic improvement and transparent governance: Tamika Houston called for a community-inclusive superintendent search; Lawrence Blaber asked for clarity about replacing a trustee who runs for higher office; Michael Barksdale pressed for urgency on academic outcomes.
New York / School Districts / NIAGARA FALLS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Head Start officials reported improved enrollment and compliance since taking over operations in 2022, highlighted a $10,000 private grant and partnerships for mental-health supports, and warned that national policy changes and a federal review process are creating uncertainty for upcoming grant funding and application requirements.