Turning Data into Action: How the WNYRIC Data Warehouse Supports Schools Across Western New York

At the Erie 1 BOCES Education Campus in West Seneca, the Western New York Regional Information Center (WNYRIC) Data Warehouse team knows it all! Each year they collect millions of data points from school districts across the state and transform them into reports for New York State and internal district use. Currently, the WNYRIC Data Warehouse serves 108 districts across seven counties in Western New York, 15 charter schools, Buffalo Public Schools, Rochester Public Schools, and provides support to other regional information centers statewide by sharing best practices for data collection.

One of the primary functions of the WNYRIC Data Warehouse is supporting districts with data reporting. Schools must submit a wide range of data to meet state and federal requirements. This data includes enrollment, graduation rates, free lunch eligibility, and counts of English Language Learners (ELLs)- among many others. These data points influence school funding and program support. Timely and accurate reporting ensures essential resources continue to flow to schools.

Another essential component of the Data Warehouse is assessment data. The team collects test scores and provides reporting tools that allow districts to track student performance over time. Districts can use this data to drive decision making around curriculum and instruction as well as identify points of success and areas for improvement. With the vast data collection the WNYRIC has, districts have access to reports that compare their assessment performance with other districts of similar size and student population to see how they are measuring up. Data Warehouse Supervisor Jill Schottman explained, “While data doesn’t tell the whole story, it is non-emotional and concrete,” and added, “it can lay the foundation for informed decisions that improve student outcomes.”

The WNYRIC team does more than collect and store data—they help districts understand and use it effectively. Over the past year, they have expanded teacher access to data, enabling educators to incorporate insights into curriculum planning and instruction. They also host numerous training sessions to ensure districts maximize the value of their data for both state reporting and internal decision-making. Schottman emphasized, “Our goal is to make data accessible and useful. When teachers and administrators can see the story behind the numbers, they can take action that truly matters.” Recent initiatives include opening access for teachers to pull assessment reports, launching new district-level reports for enrollment tracking and demographic analysis, and hosting ongoing training sessions to promote datadriven practices. The WNYRIC Data Warehouse continues to innovate, finding new ways to integrate data into everyday school operations and decision-making.