Buffalo City School District public meetings in 2022
39 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will vote on several contracts and personnel changes at its regular business meeting. Notable actions include approval of a $165,660 contract with Vagabond Tours NY for a student trip to San Juan, a $95,710 Orton-Gillingham training contract, and tuition payments totaling $120,171 to Erie Community College for early college students. The board will also receive a transportation update and a presentation on the district's strategic goals.
- $165,660 contract with Vagabond Tours NY for 'Our Story Project to San Juan'
- $95,710 Orton-Gillingham training from Institute for Multi-Sensory Education
- $98,121 SUNY Erie tuition for Middle Early College seniors and $22,050 for juniors
- $24,000 partnership with Buffalo Museum of Science for PS #99
- Transportation update from COO David Hills
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District Board holds two committee work sessions on December 14, 2022. The Student Achievement committee discusses college co-enrollment data, while the Educational Support committee reviews a central registration update. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the sessions are for information and discussion only.
- College Co-Enrollment Data presentation and discussion (Student Achievement committee)
- Central Registration Update presentation and discussion (Educational Support committee)
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District holds committee work sessions for Finance & Operations and Executive Affairs. Items are discussion and information only, including an update on 2022-2023 state aid revenues, an ARP-ESSER standing item, and negotiations with the Buffalo Teachers Federation. No votes are scheduled.
- Discussion of 2022-2023 state aid revenues
- ARP-ESSER (federal pandemic relief) update as a standing item
- Negotiations update with the Buffalo Teachers Federation (BTF)
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
This regular business meeting includes approval of minutes, committee reports, personnel changes (civil service, instructional, administrative, exempt), and several consultant contracts. The board will vote on a $113,605 SUNY Erie tuition contract for Smart Scholars, a $60,000 supplemental for language services with the International Institute of Buffalo, a $30,000 West Ed contract for PS #97, and a $15,000 Thimble contract for P-TECH V and Smart Scholars.
- Personnel changes: civil service, instructional, administrative, and exempt – recommended for approval
- Consultant contract with SUNY Erie for Smart Scholars tuition and services – $113,605
- Supplemental approval for language services with International Institute of Buffalo – $60,000 increase
- Consultant contract with West Ed for PS #97 school improvement – $30,000
- Consultant contract with Thimble for P-TECH V and Smart Scholars mentoring – $15,000
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District's Committee Work Sessions will discuss educational support and student achievement topics, including an update on parent transportation reimbursement, school support visits, the RFQ process for community partners, and district data. All items are for discussion and information only; no votes are scheduled.
- Parent Transportation Reimbursement Update (discussion)
- School Support Visits presentation by Dr. Sharon Brown
- Update on RFQ Process for Community Partners by Dr. Ramona Reynolds
- District Data Update presentation by Ms. Anne Botticelli
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District's Executive Affairs and Finance & Operations committees are holding work sessions to discuss several informational items. Topics include a security enhancements timeline, an update on electric school buses from the Sierra Club, a partnership update with Buffalo State College/Da Vinci High School, and the All-High project update. No votes or decisions are scheduled; these are discussion and information items only.
- Security enhancements timeline presentation by Chief Operating Officer and HR Chief
- Update on electric school buses from Sierra Club partners
- Buffalo State College / Da Vinci High School update by COO, General Counsel, and Principal
- All-High project update summary by Chief Operating Officer
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will consider a consent agenda including several consultant contracts, personnel changes, and a revenue agreement with Erie Community College for the Pathways program. The board will also approve minutes, hear committee reports, and receive a superintendent update. The meeting includes action on a DCIP resolution and non-employee travel expenses.
- $1,286,326 revenue contract with Erie Community College for Pathways program
- $170,302 consultant contract with SUNY Erie for BESOLAR and BIT programs
- $87,500 contract with REACH, LLC for outside educational expert consulting
- $82,500 agreement with Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for 2022-2023 concerts
- Approval of DCIP plans for 2022-2023 school year
PERSISTENCE PREPARATORY ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL PUBLIC HEARING
The Buffalo Board of Education is holding a public hearing to review the renewal of Persistence Preparatory Academy's charter. A presentation will be given, and public input will be received on the charter renewal application.
- Presentation and public hearing on the renewal of Persistence Preparatory Academy charter school
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District's committee work sessions will discuss the annual audit report, a district data update, and an expanded partnership with Buffalo Prep. These are discussion and information items only; no votes are scheduled. The meeting also includes procedural opening items.
- Annual audit report presented by Acting CFO James Barnes
- District data update from the Office of Shared Accountability
- Expanded partnership with Buffalo Prep discussed, including Policy 7160 on inclusion at criteria-based schools
2-KING CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL PUBLIC HEARING
The Buffalo City School District is holding a public hearing to discuss and present information regarding the King Center Charter School. No decisions are being made at this hearing; it is for discussion and information only.
- Presentation on King Center Charter School
1-BUFFALO COLLEGIATE CHARTER SCHOOL PUBLIC HEARING
The Buffalo City School District is holding a public hearing on October 5, 2022, to discuss the reauthorization of Buffalo Collegiate Charter School. A presentation on the reauthorization will be given, and a supporting document is attached.
- Public hearing on the reauthorization of Buffalo Collegiate Charter School
- Presentation by the charter school on reauthorization
- Attached document: BCCS - Buffalo Public Presentation - Reauthorization - bps.pdf (4,183 KB)
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo School District's Finance & Operations and Executive Affairs committees will hold work sessions to discuss the superintendent's goals template, a transportation committee update, and capital spending including ARP/ESSER federal funds. These are discussion and information items only; no votes are scheduled.
- Discussion of Superintendent's Goals Template (Goals and Guardrails for the Superintendent)
- Transportation Committee Update from Chief Operating Officer David Hills
- Capital Spending & ARP/ESSER update from Acting CFO Jim Barnes
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
This special meeting of the Buffalo City School District Board is called to discuss and consider personnel actions regarding specific District employees. The board may vote to go into executive session for a legally permissible purpose. The only listed agenda item under Personnel Affairs is 'Exempt Personnel Changes', with a supporting document attached.
- Exempt Personnel Changes – specific employee actions to be discussed (details in attached PDF)
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo School Board will discuss BTF contract negotiations, hear public comments, and vote on a consent agenda including personnel changes, contracts, and a tentative agreement with Local 409. Key action items include a $856,332 parent transportation reimbursement pilot, a $100,000 teacher residency with SUNY Buffalo, and a $18,972 Verizon telecom renewal.
- Parent Transportation Reimbursement Program Pilot for $856,332
- Teacher Residency with SUNY Buffalo for $100,000
- Verizon Essential District Telecommunications Equipment renewal $18,972
- International Baccalaureate dues for 2022-2023 $20,694
- Tentative Agreement between City School District and Local 409
BRICK CHARTER SCHOOL HEARING
The Buffalo City School District is holding a public hearing and discussion regarding the Brick Charter School. The agenda includes a presentation, but no specific proposals or decisions are listed. The hearing appears to be procedural for charter school review.
- Presentation on Brick Charter School
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
This is a committee work session of the Buffalo City School District. The Educational Support committee will discuss the Youth Risk Behavior Survey presentation. The Student Achievement committee will discuss the Student Success Plan. No votes or decisions are scheduled; items are for discussion only.
- Discussion: Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) presented by Dr. Sharon Brown, Chief of Student Support Services
- Discussion: Student Success Plan presented by Anne Botticelli, Chief Academic Officer
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District's committee work sessions will discuss the superintendent's goals, an update on Da Vinci High School planning, a district commissary presentation, and capital spending including ARP/ESSER funds. No votes or decisions are scheduled; these are informational and discussion items.
- Update on Da Vinci High School planning with attached design concept
- District commissary presentation with a new building proposal
- Capital spending and ARP/ESSER fund update
- Superintendent's goals discussion
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will consider and vote on a compensation proposal for district employees and the appointment of a board advisor and trustees for Westminster and Enterprise Charter Schools. The agenda also lists exempt personnel changes recommended for board approval. The board may enter executive session for permissible purposes.
- Compensation proposal for certain district employees
- Appointment of a board advisor and trustees for Westminster and Enterprise Charter Schools
- Exempt personnel changes recommended for board approval
- Potential executive session for permissible purposes
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo Board of Education will vote on reallocating $1,659,422.70 in Universal Prekindergarten funds to community-based organizations after two sites closed and one was disqualified. The board will also consider multiple consultant contracts, including a $311,766 agreement with Alfred State College for the P-Tech program. Personnel changes and a tentative agreement with Cook Managers Local 264 are on the consent agenda.
- Reallocation of $1,659,422.70 in UPK CBO funds due to closure of EduKids BPN and Gerard Place, and disqualification of Erie Regional Belle Center
- $311,766 consultant contract with Alfred State College for P-Tech II program at McKinley High School
- $229,100 contract with eDoctrina/Harris Education Solutions for assessment management system
- $90,000 contract with I. Umoja Educational Services for teacher training
- Tentative agreement with Local 264 Cook Managers (fiscal impact, budgeted)
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo School Board will vote on a tentative labor agreement with the Buffalo Council of Supervisors and Administrators, and consider personnel changes, consultant contracts for educational services, and reallocation of Universal Prekindergarten funds. The board also will approve minutes from prior meetings and various routine personnel actions.
- Approve tentative agreement between Buffalo City School District and BCSA
- Reallocate $1,659,422.70 in Universal Prekindergarten funds to community-based organizations
- Approve $2,156,419.39 in staffing and payroll for non-public school federal programs
- Approve $110,000 contract with Buffalo Museum of Science for services at PS 59
- Approve $49,712.26 contract with Buffalo Zoo for services at PS 59
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Buffalo City School District board will meet on July 14, 2022, to discuss and consider the employment contract for the Interim Superintendent. Superintendent contracts determine district leadership and operational direction. The agenda lists only this single item, with no other business or public hearings scheduled. The meeting is at 5:00 p.m. at the Common Council Chambers in City Hall.
- Discussion of the Interim Superintendent employment contract
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board is holding a special meeting to consider approving a tentative agreement with the Professional, Clerical and Technical Employees' Association (PCTEA). The item has a fiscal impact and is budgeted under source A6111Q14-440.
- Approval of tentative agreement between Buffalo City School District and PCTEA
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo School Board will decide on multiple consultant contracts totaling over $600,000, including a $165,604 single-source agreement for the PSAT/NMSQT college readiness program. The board will also approve personnel changes and minutes from the previous meeting. Public comment will be heard before decisions are made.
- Approve $165,604 PSAT/NMSQT college readiness agreement with single-source procurement
- Approve $142,800 K-8 math screening assessment contract with Curriculum Associates, LLC
- Approve $92,391 APPR platform contract with eDoctrina/Harris Education Solutions
- Approve $75,000 screening assessment contract with NCS Pearson for accelerated/gifted programs
- Approve $75,000 community school registration software contract with Grouptrail
JUNE 8, 2022 WORK SESSION
The Buffalo City School District Board holds a work session on June 8, 2022, covering two categories: Education Support and Student Achievement. Presentations and discussions include a BPS/Say Yes 3-year-old kindergarten partnership, a special meeting request regarding the PCTEA contract, the Human Trafficking Task Force, and special education agency placements and requirements.
- BPS/Say Yes 3YPK Partnership presentation
- Special meeting request regarding PCTEA Contract Consideration
- Human Trafficking Task Force update
- Special Education Agency Placements and Requirements update
JUNE 1, 2022 WORK SESSION
The Buffalo City School District board will hold a work session to discuss the process for board engagement with student voice, a modified sports update, a Finance & Operations committee update including ARP capital and MWBE purchases, and a transportation update. No votes are scheduled; all items are for discussion and information only.
- Discussion on process for board engagement with student voice
- Update on modified sports program from Athletics Department
- Finance & Operations committee update on ARP capital and MWBE purchases
- Transportation update from Transportation Department
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will decide on multiple consultant contracts, including a $2,497,526 renewal for SAY YES Buffalo, Inc. for community schools, and other contracts totaling over $2 million for special education nursing, community-based organizations, and vocational programs. The board will also approve personnel changes and previous meeting minutes.
- Renewal of SAY YES Buffalo, Inc. contract for $2,497,526 for community schools
- Community Schools CBO partnerships totaling $1,187,886
- Renewal of Supplemental HealthCare contract for $624,431 for skilled nursing
- Approval of 1:1 skilled nursing contracts for students totaling $63,519 each
- Alfred State College PTECH II consultant contract for $60,052 for vocational education
MAY 11, 2022 WORK SESSION
The Buffalo City School District Board holds a work session to continue reviewing the budget, discuss Say Yes Buffalo summer programming, and learn about Project AWARE at Burgard High School. No votes are scheduled; these are discussion and information items only.
- Continuation of budget review by the Finance Department
- Discussion of Say Yes Buffalo summer programming
- Presentation on Project AWARE at Burgard High School, a school mental health grant program
MAY 4, 2022 WORK SESSION
The Buffalo City School District Board will receive a presentation updating the 2022‑23 General Fund budget. The board will also discuss a resolution to name the parent room at Dr. Lydia T. Wright School of Excellence #89 in honor of Dorothy (Mother) Gray. No formal decisions are recorded in the agenda.
- 2022‑23 General Fund Budget Update (discussion/presentation)
- Resolution to name the parent room at Dr. Lydia T. Wright School of Excellence #89 for Dorothy (Mother) Gray
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The board will consider a consent agenda with multiple consultant contracts and personnel changes. Items include a $1,659,422.70 pre-kindergarten program award to community-based organizations, a $27,636 contract with Woz Ed for MST curriculum, and a $27,000 renewal with Catholic Charities for adult education space — the latter flagged for policy violations. The board will also approve minutes from prior meetings and various personnel changes.
- $1,659,422.70 in contracts with community-based organizations for pre-kindergarten program (2022-23)
- $27,636 contract with Woz Ed for MST curriculum at School #197
- $18,000 contract with West Ed for School #31 improvement services
- $27,000 renewal with Catholic Charities for adult education space at 228 Albany Street — noted as after-the-fact award with policy violations
- $20,000 side-by-side program with Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts
APRIL 6, 2022 WORK SESSION - ALL COMMITTEES
The Buffalo Board of Education holds a work session with presentations from four committees. No formal votes are scheduled. The board will hear updates on extended learning and summer programs, a new information hub for families, the interim superintendent's first 25 days, and a finance committee update including budget and ARP-ESSER funds.
- Extended Learning and Summer Programs Update
- Information Hub Overview by Office of Parent and Family Engagement
- Interim Superintendent 25 Days In! report
- Finance & Operations Committee Update (budget and ARP-ESSER)
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo School Board holds a regular business meeting with actions on minutes, personnel changes, and several consultant contracts. The board will vote on three contracts totaling $52,000: a $12,000 Lakeshore virtual PD workshop and two $20,000 Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra virtual concerts.
- Approve $12,000 Lakeshore Professional Development virtual training workshop for pre-K teachers
- Approve $20,000 Virtual West Side Connection Concert and Educational Hub by Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
- Approve $20,000 Virtual BPO Youth Concert and Educational Hub for grades 1-6
- Approve civil, instructional, administrative, and exempt personnel changes
- Approve minutes from January 26, February 16, and March 2, 2022 meetings
MARCH 9, 2022 WORK SESSION
The Buffalo City School District Board will hold a work session to discuss updates on the 2022-2023 budget process and ARP/ESSER strategic spending. Presentations on the Community Leaders Program and graduation rates are also scheduled. All items are for discussion and information only; no votes are planned.
- 2022-2023 Budget Process Update
- ARP/ESSER Strategic Spending Update
- Community Leaders Program presentation
- Graduation Rate Presentation
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING and FINANCE & OPERATIONS WORK SESSION
The Buffalo School Board is holding a special meeting to discuss the February 9, 2022 incident at McKinley High School and consider a resolution to establish an expert examination into that incident. The board will also receive an update on the McKinley Climate and Culture Plan and consider a resolution regarding the resignation of Dr. Kriner Cash. The meeting replaces the scheduled Executive Affairs Work Session; a regular Finance and Operations Work Session will follow.
- Resolution to establish an expert examination into the February 9, 2022 incident at McKinley High School
- Resolution regarding the resignation of Dr. Kriner Cash
- McKinley Climate and Culture Plan update (attached documents)
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will act on a consent agenda including personnel changes, several educational contracts, and large purchases. Major items include re-allocating up to $1.66 million in pre-kindergarten program contracts and approving $800,051 for E-Rate technology services. The board will also consider tuition payments for middle college high school students at SUNY Erie totaling over $161,000.
- Re-allocation of $1,659,422.70 in Community Based Organization Pre-Kindergarten Program contracts based on January enrollment counts
- Approval of $800,051 for Federal E-Rate Program Year 25 (2022-2023) technology services
- Purchase of devices, charging carts, and software for Baker Academy at $35,316.33 using ESSER and GEER funds
- Tuition payments for Middle Early College High School grade 12 students at SUNY Erie totaling $137,736
- Approval of $47,500 for AKJ Education NJ Amistad interactive curriculum resources
FEBRUARY 9, 2022 WORK SESSION
The Buffalo City School District Board will hold a work session with presentations on the Class of 2021 graduation rate and year-to-date student attendance data. A separate presentation on human trafficking will also be made. The board is not expected to vote on any items; this is a discussion and information session.
- Presentation on graduation rate Class of 2021
- Presentation on student attendance data YTD
- Presentation on human trafficking
FEBRUARY 2, 2022 WORK SESSION
This is a work session where the board will discuss and hear presentations on several items, including a resolution on transportation reimbursement, the NYS Executive Budget Proposal for 2022-23 State Aid, and a resolution for COVID-19 bonus compensation. Superintendent's memoranda are also on the agenda for discussion.
- Resolution for Transportation Reimbursement (discussion)
- Presentation on NYS Executive Budget Proposal – 2022-23 State Aid
- Resolution for COVID-19 Bonus Compensation (discussion)
- Superintendent's Memoranda (discussion/information)
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will hold a regular business meeting on January 26, 2022. They will consider numerous consent items including personnel changes, several consultant and service contracts, and a resolution from the Multilingual Education Advisory Committee. The largest contract is $680,612 for staffing and payroll for non-public school federal programs.
- $680,612 staffing and payroll contract with 22nd Century Technologies Inc. for non-public schools
- $286,600 revenue contract with Erie County Department of Social Services for Adult Education services
- $69,901 approval for City Honors IB examination fees for May 2022
- $55,000 consultant contract with Eagle Academy Foundation for a Single Gender Male Academy
- Multilingual Education Advisory Committee request for BPS Parent Congress membership
JANUARY 12, 2022 WORK SESSION
The Buffalo City School District holds a work session with two discussion items: a presentation on Operations H.E.R., a girls mentoring group, and a proposed parent group; and a presentation on ESSER investments supporting academic achievement. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the session is informational.
- Presentation on Operations H.E.R. girls mentoring group and proposed parent group
- ESSER investments supporting academic achievement (American Rescue Plan funds)
- Work session format with no formal board action
JANUARY 5, 2022 WORK SESSION
This is a work session of the Buffalo City School District. The board will receive presentations on proposed cabinet and exempt staff salary increases and on district security plan updates. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only session.
- Presentation on exempt staff compensation and proposed salary increases (attached resolution and memo from December 2021)
- Presentation on district security plan updates, including emergency response and school safety (September 2021 report and slides)