Message from the Superintendent
Dear Families:
Throughout my professional journey, I have always cared deeply for our city and school district. As a resident and proud graduate from the class of 1986, I am humbled and honored to be the 17th Superintendent to lead this great and honorable district.
During the 2017-2018 school year, I had a wonderful opportunity to visit and observe many of our buildings, classes, and extra-curricular activities. To say I was pleased with the delivery, dedication, and care to our students from our Board of Education, Administrators, Teachers, and Support Staff would be an understatement. We have GREAT things happening in our schools, and we will continue to strive for excellence.
Currently, our $27 million capital project is entering phase 3 with an expected completion in 2019. As of this correspondence, Truman's roof is finished, and the High School/Middle School roof is 60% complete. We are over 85% finished with our windows and masonry work. New and energy efficient boilers at the High School/Middle School campus are fully installed. As the contractors complete many of the previously mentioned areas, they have also begun building new High School science labs, a new Middle School Technology room, Art room, and Home and Careers room. Also, two new secure entrances and offices for the Middle School and High School will be erected along with a full suite, to house Guidance Personnel, Nurse’s Office, Social Workers, Attendance Office, and OT/PT services. While this capital project is nearing completion, I want to mention that in the near future, we will conduct our 5 Year Building Conditions Survey (needs assessment). This survey will identify what is still needed to improve our facilities and provide us a road map for future capital projects. As I travel Western New York to other schools, I see other districts improving and updating their facilities regularly but at a much higher cost compared to the expenses in our District. Considering, that New York State will cover up to 98% of our projects, it is obvious we should be aggressively and continually improving our facilities and grounds. We will be expecting to provide our students, staff, and community with the very best!
In addition, I would like to identify two new initiatives for the 2018-2019 school year:
- Our District will be a Community Eligibility Program School. This program allows us to provide breakfast and lunch to ALL enrolled students at NO COST to our families.
- A new partnership with WozU running through 2022 will provide our district with approximately $512,000 annually to help us improve our technology. For the 2018-2019 school year, this funding will provide 180 iPads for Truman and Martin Road Elementary Schools. Along with the new tablets, STEAM Kits (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) will be purchased and accompanied with appropriate training and support, for our K-5 staff and students. Specifically, K-2 will be introduced to Robotics, while 3-5 will experience coding with color, drones, and the science of light and sound.
While we continue to work diligently for your child and our community, we ask you to be an active partner with us as we move our District forward.
Steeler Pride!
Sincerely,
Keith E. Lewis
Superintendent
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