The Pelham Union Free School District held a meeting on September 4, 2025, focusing on safety protocols, communication strategies, and updates to the district's strategic plan. The meeting began with discussions on the importance of maintaining strong safety measures within the schools. Officials highlighted the proactive approach taken by local police departments, who reached out before the school year commenced to ensure a heightened presence for the comfort of students, parents, and staff.

The district reported on recent updates to safety plans, including a necessary adjustment related to cardiac emergency protocols due to changes in state law. These updates are part of ongoing efforts to stay informed about best practices and lessons learned from crisis situations. The Building Emergency Response Teams (BERT) will receive training in the coming weeks to ensure they are prepared for any emergencies.

In terms of communication, the district is continuing to implement recommendations from a previous communications audit. This includes the distribution of updated emergency guides and brochures to parents and staff, as well as enhanced training for elementary teachers on using the ParentSquare communication platform. The district is also working on updating its website to ensure compliance and effectiveness in communication.

An exciting development mentioned was the upcoming administration of a community survey this fall, aimed at measuring progress since the last survey conducted over two years ago. This survey will provide valuable feedback on the district's communication efforts and overall community engagement.

Additionally, the district showcased updates to its strategic plan dashboard, making key metrics more visible to stakeholders. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and keep the community informed about the district's progress and strategies.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to safety, effective communication, and continuous improvement in its strategic initiatives, with plans for further discussions in upcoming board meetings.