Development News for Hamburg, New York

Continuing Education Program Expands Offerings and Community Reach

Kayla Deleó, Director of Public Relations and Continuing Education, presented on the district's continuing education program. The program offers a variety of adult education courses, including arts and crafts, fitness, cooking, business, and travel. For the current semester, 53 classes are offered, with 22 new additions, taught by 32 instructors. The program engaged 617 participants in the fall semester, utilizing four school buildings. New classes include jewelry making, date night cooking, Mediterranean and Moroccan cooking, intermediate Spanish, mindful wellness, and free business/travel classes. The program utilizes community surveys and outreach to identify new class interests and instructors, expanding its reach beyond Hamburg through initiatives like 'Step Out Buffalo'. Guest instructor Ashley Wagner, a professional pastry chef with experience in Germany, shared her journey and highlighted the quality of the school's kitchen facilities and the program's community-building aspect. She leads popular baking classes, including French macarons and European-inspired treats.

AI in Education and Zero-Emission Bus Initiative Discussed at Legislative Meeting

Mary shared insights from the Erie County School Board Association (ECSBA) Legislative Committee meeting, where a presentation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education was given. The AI discussion covered both potential benefits and pitfalls, with a strong emphasis on the need for educator training. The committee also discussed legislative advocacy efforts in Albany, focusing on issues such as federal immigration policies, funding for special education, and local control. Mary also mentioned the district's progress on its zero-emission busing initiative, including a fleet electrification plan in partnership with Boces, which aims to have all buses electrified by 2035. This plan is crucial for securing funding and maintaining local control over the transition.

Board Approves Consent Items, Personnel Changes, and Transportation Contracts

During the Board of Education meeting, several retirements were announced: Ellie Goal, a middle school monitor, effective April; Tom Pharaoh, a high school science teacher; and Wendy Winters, a high school French teacher and yearbook advisor. The board also approved various consent items, including extended field trip forms, with a comment made about the lack of specific dates on one form. Appointments for the 2025-2026 school year were revised to include psych intern Nicole Cronin. Candidates John Sherman and Janet McGregor Plar were nominated for election as trustees for the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (Boces). Transportation contracts with North Colonie Central School District and Student Transportation of America for the 2025-2026 school year were approved, with discussion regarding contract duration and the discontinuation of one contract due to a student moving. The meeting also included budget transfers under $25,000, board committee reports, and discussions about reassigning committee memberships.

Board of Education Addresses Vacant Seat and Elects New Vice President

The Board of Education discussed options for filling a vacant seat following Laura's departure. After considering a special election, appointing a candidate, or leaving the seat vacant until the May election, the board leaned towards leaving the seat vacant for the remainder of the school year due to time constraints and costs associated with special elections. The board also formally elected Jess Raina as Vice President of the Board of Education for the remainder of the 2025 school year and discussed the process for filling vacant committee positions. The process for filling the seat involves potential appointment or allowing the third highest vote-getter in the May election to fill the remainder of the term, with potential implications if that person is already on the board.