The Buffalo School Board held its first meeting since instituting new regulations for suspensions in the district. Concerned citizens and parents told the board it's a step in the right direction.

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Nearly a week after the Buffalo School District instituted new regulations, strengthening the out-of-school suspension policy, many people who were vocal in asking for change were appreciative.

"Thank you, honestly. Thank you for listening to us. Thank you for taking the steps you have taken. This is progress and it's progress in the right direction," said Brian Trzeciak.

The School Board took into consideration suggestions from parents and community members. Some of the adjustments include requiring a parental conference instead of suspension for non-violent infractions by elementary students. It also includes a commitment to lowering suspensions in each school.

"It is a partial win. It is an affirmation that we need to make change, that there is some commitment to movement on the part of the Board of Education to make change and recognition of that fact," said Sherry Byrnes.

Danielle Judge said, "We do know that those are all great steps, but that's not enough."

Interim Superintendent Amber Dixon said the steps taken so far did not require board action. She said the Board can still take more action and it continues to look at the possibility of a resolution for a new suspension policy altogether.

Many community members told the board, they still need to end out-of-school suspension for non-violent infractions for students at every grade level.

"We are looking for a dramatic decrease in the numbers that you've seen that have been so unacceptable. We're not done with the conversation. We're not done with our motivation and we're not done with hearing more voices about this. So I appreciate the voices here," said Dixon.