The New York State Sex Offender Registration Act, commonly known as “Megan’s Law,” permits local law enforcement agencies to release information about Level 2 (moderate risk of repeat offense) and Level 3 (high risk of repeat offense) sex offenders residing in the Gowanda School District. Due to a court injunction, sex offenders who were convicted prior to January 21st, 1996 cannot be included in the Sex Offender Registry unless their individual cases were reviewed and the injunction lifted.

At the School District’s request, the Gowanda Police and the Erie and Cattaraugus County Sheriffs’ Departments have notified the Superintendent’s office of the presence of Level 2 and Level 3 offenders residing within the School District. This notification also includes the Seneca Nation Cattaraugus Territory.

Please note that it is not the School District’s practice to release the information about Level 1, 2 & 3 sex offenders when such individuals are incarcerated in either the Gowanda or Collins Correctional facilities.

Additional information about the New York State Sex Offender Registration Act and/or the status of other Level 3 offenders can be found by calling toll free at 1-800-262-3257 or on online at www.criminaljustice.ny.gov.

Any time we receive this information, it will be circulated to Building Principals, staff who issue visitors’ passes, bus drivers, custodians, playground monitors, and coaches. All other staff members will be informed of the availability of the information. All staff have been directed to check with their supervisor if they observe any suspicious person(s) in an area where children congregate, and to contact law enforcement agencies if a paroled sex offender is so observed.

We are dedicated to the safety of our children while they’re in school. All of our schools have strict sign-in/sign-out procedures for our students, and all visitors must first report to the school’s main office for a visitor’s pass. In addition, our school curriculuin includes teaching personal safety and stranger awareness skills.

We encourage you to talk to your children about personal safety. Books and other resources are available from school counselors, if necessary.

Click on this link to download a complete copy of Board of Education Policy 7560 Notification of Sex Offenders.

To increase public awareness and improve access to this important information, copies of sex offender notifications are archived below. This information cannot be used for any unlawful purpose. Please refer to Board Policy 7560 if you have questions.