inclusive programming. The district’s decade-long, $100 million modernization effort has upgraded everything from STEM facilities to athletic complexes while fostering unique community partnerships. At the heart of NWCSD’s success lies a commitment to creating environments where every student can thrive, a philosophy evident in its academic achievements, innovative programs and recognition for inclusivity. CORE VALUES AND STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS NWCSD’s success rests on three pillars: safety, investment in facilities, and inclusive environments for all students. Ljiljanich emphasizes this trifecta as the foundation for the district’s 10-year transformation. Safety investments span infrastructure, staff training, and ensuring secure learning spaces. The facilities overhaul addressed decades of deferred maintenance, “there was very little work done for a decade or so before that. We had some catching up to do,” notes Ljiljanich. “Initially, projects were done to improve the maintenance and upkeep of the buildings because they were in such disrepair due to the lack of funds, the most recent projects have not only worked to maintain the campus, but have also enhanced the campus,” he adds. Highlights include a state-of-the-art athletic complex featuring a multi-purpose turf field capable of hosting simultaneous baseball and softball games. Dr.Allison Davis,Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Management, adds that the complex includes “new grandstand, new press box, new dugouts, and field lighting.” The district’s transformation extends to academic spaces and its STEM facilities, where aging infrastructure received critical upgrades. “Those STEM rooms in our middle school were as old as the building,” Ljiljanich explains.“So they were tech rooms that were close to 70 years old.” Dr. Davis details the comprehensive renovations, adding, “we did complete renovation of the middle school and are planning to do that at the high school, making them ADA accessible, including new equipment, new seating, ventilation, and add capacity for drones, Legos, and VEX programs.” A new 1,150-seat auditorium, doubling previous capacity, underscores the district’s commitment to arts accessibility. “We also added an elevator in there to increase accessibility and align with ADA standards and compliance,” adds Dr. Davis. 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06 NIAGARA-WHEATFIELD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
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