Dunkirk Superintendent Highlights District's Progress from Past School Year

The Superintendent of the Dunkirk City School District says the progress the district made in terms of student achievement during the past school year exceeded his expectations. Brian Swatland, who was a guest on WDOE's "Viewpoint" program on Wednesday, highlighted those accomplishments during the district's Board of Education meeting on Tuesday. He says the district's four-year graduation rate improved by 7%, adding that it will likely be higher once more data comes in...

Brian Swatland: could grow as high as 87%

That rate was 77% at the end of the previous school year. Swatland adds that the district met or exceeded the Board of Education's goal for improving student achievement, with Student Growth Percentage (SGP) increasing from 52% to 58%...

Brian Swatland: results that have come in

Specifically, the district's Student Growth Percentage grew by 9% in reading, 5% in math, and 2% in early literacy. Swatland says the district's top priorities for the 2026-2027 school year will be sustaining gains in co-teaching, closing the early literacy gap, and deepening its learning walk -- or classroom visit -- practice.

The district also held its reorganizational meeting on Tuesday. Ken Kozlowski, Claudia Szczerbacki and Lucas Catalano were sworn in to begin their new terms, with Kozlowski and Szczerbacki retaining their roles of President and Vice President, respectively.

Click here to listen to the entire "Viewpoint" interview with Superintendent Brian Swatland.

Photos by Greg Larson