Niagara Falls City School District superintendent leads national initiative to champion health in schools

Mark Laurrie supports critical work to improve student well-being through the American Heart Association Superintendent Council 

Submitted by the American Heart Association

Mark Laurrie, superintendent of Niagara Falls City School District, is working with the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, and nine other superintendents from across the country to improve the health and well-being of students, families and educators nationwide. Laurrie was selected to serve as a national volunteer leader for the association’s 2023-24 national superintendent council, which is focused on providing solutions to help schools combat issues that affect physical and mental well-being such as vaping and tobacco use, managing stress and healthy food access.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, good health is associated with academic success; and health risks such as poor dietary choices and inadequate physical activity have a significant impact on how well students perform in school.

“We are incredibly proud that Mark Laurrie, a trusted voice in our community, is lending his expertise as we work toward combatting issues that are affecting student well-being and overall health,” said Jason Stulb, executive director of the American Heart Association, Buffalo/Niagara. ”The superintendent council plays a critical role as we work to improve the lives of all Americans, and we’re excited to see the transformational impact the council will make on students within our community and across the nation.”

The superintendent council is an elite group of American Heart Association volunteers comprised of superintendents from a diverse mix of urban and rural public-school districts across the U.S. Council members serve a two-year term, participating in nationwide stakeholder sessions, and offering their individual and collective expertise to assist the American Heart Association in creating a culture of health in school systems and communities across the country.

The council complements the work of the American Heart Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, where volunteers with different backgrounds and perspectives focus on improving the health and well-being within their local communities and are committed to efforts that will help children achieve healthier, happier and longer lives.

2023-24 American Heart Association superintendent council members include:

Chris Allen, Ph.D., Marble Falls Independent School District, Marble Falls, Texas

Jeffrey Bearden, Ph.D., Forsyth County Schools, Cumming, Georgia

Christopher Bernier, Ph.D., Lee County School District, Fort Myers, Florida

Michael Gaal, Colorado Springs School District, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Sharonica Hardin-Bartley, Ph.D., University City School District, University City, Missouri

Christopher R. Hoffman, Elk Grove Unified School District, Elk Grove, California

Mark Laurrie, Niagara Falls City School District, Niagara Falls

Matt Pearce, Ph.D., Republic School District, Republic, Missouri

Aaron Spence, Ph.D., Loudoun County Public Schools, Ashburn, Virginia

Kristi Wilson, Ph.D., Buckeye Elementary School District, Buckeye, Arizona

“Encouraging schools to with the American Heart Association’s initiatives and programs allows for a seamless congruence with the goals and outcomes any district across the country should be striving towards for students,” Laurrie said. “Working together is really bringing value added to the mission of a school.”

The work of the American Heart Association, to save and improve every child’s life, is rooted in the organizational vision that all children – regardless of gender, race, location or economic status – should be able grow to their full potential. Efforts are being made around the country, including through this council, to make the places where kids live, learn and play to support their physical health and mental well-being, because according to the American Heart Association, only 29% of children have high cardiovascular health1 based on Life’s Essential 8 measurements.

To learn more about American Heart Association youth-based programs, visit www.heart.org/getstarted.

More About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.