Buffalo City School District public meetings in 2023
37 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The board will vote on several personnel changes and contracts, including a $130,045 contract for Vagabond Tours to take students to Philadelphia, a $58,162 Power BI consultant contract, and carryover funding for non-public school programs. Public comments and a presentation on NYS assessment results are also scheduled.
- Approve $130,045 contract with Vagabond Tours NY for 'Our Story Project' trip to Philadelphia (April 2024)
- Approve $58,161.96 payment to Say Yes for Power BI consultant services (2021-22 school year)
- Approve $98,376 in carryover funding for non-public school federal programs via TSCTI staffing contract
- Approve $22,606 for Christopher Morse social/emotional learning curriculum support at non-public schools
- Approve $10,700 addendum to Erie I BOCES shared PD consortium for non-public schools
WESTMINSTER COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL HEARING
The Buffalo City School District is holding a hybrid hearing for Westminster Community Charter School. The agenda contains only a single presentation item for discussion and information, with no specific proposals or decisions listed.
- PowerPoint presentation regarding Westminster Community Charter School
ENTERPRISE CHARTER SCHOOL HEARING
The Buffalo City School District is holding a public hearing regarding Enterprise Charter School. The agenda includes a single item: a PowerPoint presentation for discussion and information. No decisions or votes are scheduled.
- Presentation on Enterprise Charter School (Discussion/Information)
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The school district is holding committee work sessions covering finance and executive affairs. Discussions include a report on state aid revenues and a quarterly board evaluation.
- 2023-2024 State Aid Revenues Report
- Board Quarterly Evaluation with CGCS
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo School Board will consider a Memorandum of Understanding with the city for stop-arm cameras on buses, along with several consultant contracts totaling over $238,000. Other action items include approving personnel changes, a proposed amendment to the 2023-24 district calendar, and a resolution on emergency response. The board will also hear a presentation on early literacy and math assessment results.
- MOU with City of Buffalo for stop-arm cameras on school buses
- Leadership coaching contract for PS #37, #92, #97 — $90,000 with YM Ragan Consulting
- Teacher Center consultant contract with Arts for Learning — $55,000
- Teacher Center consultant contract with Just Buffalo Literacy Center — $30,400
- Proposed amendment to the 2023-24 district calendar
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District committee work session on November 8, 2023, will feature informational presentations on the Kids Escaping Drugs program and an overview of facilities support. No votes or formal decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists of procedural items and reports.
- Kids Escaping Drugs update presented by Dr. Sharon Brown, Chief of Student Support Services
- Facilities Support Overview presented by David Hills, Chief Operating Officer
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District's Committee Work Sessions will include presentations on effective board governance and a financial update. The finance committee will discuss the 2023-2024 financial status, including APPR/ESSER funds, and preview the 2024-2025 budget.
- Effective Board Governance presentation with CGCS Coach
- 2023-2024 financial status including APPR/ESSER funds
- 2024-2025 budget preview
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will vote on several contract approvals, including a $230,000 Teacher Residency with SUNY Buffalo and a $40,500 transportation contract for BPO field trips. It will also approve personnel changes, minutes from prior meetings, and multiple professional‑development course purchases. Additional items include a $56,500 service contract for West Ed PS #89 and a $10,000 contract for Candles in the Sun PS #92.
- Approve $230,000 Teacher Residency contract with SUNY Buffalo (non‑competitive single source)
- Approve $40,500 BPO Field Trips Transportation contract (competitive bid)
- Approve $56,500 service contract for West Ed PS #89 (competitive RFP)
- Approve $10,000 Candles in the Sun PS #92 contract (competitive RFP)
- Approve professional‑development course catalogues totaling $26,625.36
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District Committee Work Sessions will discuss the annual external audit results and effective board governance. Both items are presented for discussion and information, with no formal votes expected at this meeting. The agenda is otherwise procedural.
- Annual External Audit Results presentation by CFO James Barnes
- Effective Board Governance discussion with draft Board Guardrails PDF
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board is holding a special meeting to receive a presentation from the Superintendent on student safety. No votes or decisions are scheduled.
- Safety and Security Presentation by Superintendent Dr. Tonja M. Williams
HEALTH SCIENCES CHARTER SCHOOL HEARING
The Buffalo City School District is holding a public hearing to discuss the renewal of the Health Sciences Charter School. The agenda includes a presentation of a charter renewal presentation and a renewal rubric.
- Presentation of Charter Renewal Presentation.pdf
- Presentation of Charter School Renewal Rubric.pdf
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The committee work session includes a presentation on the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). The discussion covers student achievement and educational support topics.
- Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) overview presentation
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo School Board will consider several contracts and resolutions at its regular meeting, including a $62,500 contract with Childcare Resource Network for Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) evaluations for prekindergarten classrooms, a $46,000 contract with REACH LLC for outside educational expert consulting, a $34,029.46 contract for HVAC repairs at school #355, and a $24,713.37 license renewal for SPARK physical education curriculum. The board will also vote on a resolution for a food service commissary, personnel changes, amendments to regulations, and approval of the superintendent's goals for the 2023-2024 school year. Public comments will be heard.
- Approve contract with Childcare Resource Network for ECERS pre-K evaluations, $62,500
- Approve contract with REACH, LLC for outside educational expert consulting, $46,000
- Approve purchase of SPARK physical education digital licenses for K-12, $24,713.37
- Approve contract with Robert Kistler for HVAC troubleshooting and repair at school #355, $34,029.46
- Adopt resolution for Food Service Commissary (fiscal impact, budgeted)
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo School Board's Educational Support and Student Achievement committees hold work sessions. They will discuss a special education overview and summer extended learning achievement data. No votes or formal actions are scheduled.
- Special Education Overview presentation by Chief Academic Officer Anne Botticelli
- Summer Extended Learning Achievement Data presentation by Chief Academic Officer Anne Botticelli
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District committee work sessions will include a continued discussion on goals and guardrails with the Council of Great City Schools and a presentation on BPS commissary financing. These are work sessions for discussion and updates, with no scheduled votes or decisions.
- Continued goals/guardrails discussion with CGCS
- BPS commissary financing update with PowerPoint presentation
- Opening remarks by Vice-President Evans-Brown and Superintendent Williams (Executive Affairs)
- Opening remarks by Chairperson Woods and Superintendent Williams (Finance & Operations)
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board holds a special meeting to discuss and potentially amend the Superintendent's employment contract. The board will also review the Superintendent's goals and guardrails for the 2023-2024 school year and the BPS Strategic Plan 2022-2025.
- Amendment to the Superintendent's Employment Contract (Action/Discussion)
- Goals and Guardrails for the Superintendent for 2023-2024 school year
- BPS Strategic Plan 2022-2025
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo School Board will hear a superintendent update on student placement and registration, then vote on a consent agenda that includes personnel changes and several consultant contracts. Notable items include a $54,296 contract for adult literacy tutoring, a $191,429 contract for Orton-Gillingham training, and a $90,000 partnership with Best Self at PS #131. Also up for approval are contracts for Playworks programming ($16,000), Buffalo Science Museum services ($110,000), and trauma grief training ($25,000). The board will also consider tabling two amendments to personnel regulations.
- Civil service, instructional, and administrative personnel changes
- Amendment to Article 40 for Farm to School Coordinator and Textbook Inventory Specialist (remove from table)
- Consultant contract with Literacy NY Buffalo-Niagara Inc. for adult tutoring: $54,296
- Contract with IMSE for Orton-Gillingham training: $191,429
- Contracts for Playworks ($16,000), Best Self at PS #131 ($90,000), Buffalo Science Museum ($110,000), and trauma grief training ($25,000)
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo School Board will consider several consent agenda items and action items, including a $2,370,399 contract for staffing and payroll for non-public school federal programs, pending funding approval. Other notable contracts include $1,406,856 for Partnership Schools CBO contracts, $355,000 for translation services, and $102,500 for Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra concerts. The meeting also includes approval of minutes, personnel changes, and a tabled amendment for a Farm to School Coordinator position.
- Non-Public School Federal Programs staffing contract: $2,370,399
- Partnership Schools CBO Contracts: $1,406,856
- Translations and Interpretations Services contract: $355,000
- Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra concerts 2023-2024: $102,500
- Buffalo Zoo program contract: $51,651.98
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will take action on personnel changes, approve multiple educational contracts for the 2023-2024 school year, and consider tentative agreements with substitute administrators and food service unions. The largest single expenditure is a $2,657,494.36 contract with Say Yes Buffalo for community schools. The board will also vote on $1,175,797 in contracts with community-based organizations and approve several screening assessment contracts.
- Approve $2,657,494.36 continuing contract with Say Yes Buffalo for community schools (FY 2024)
- Approve $1,175,797 in contracts with Belle Center, Best Self, Matt Urban, and Northwest for community schools
- Approve $172,363.20 contract with Amplify Education for K-4 literacy screening
- Approve $132,257.60 contract with Curriculum Associates for K-8 math screening
- Approve tentative agreement with Buffalo Association of Substitute Administrators (BASA) and AFSCME Local 264 (Food Service) union contracts
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District's Committee Work Sessions will discuss student achievement data (EOY DIBELS) and an update on the WOZ Ed program, as well as community-based organizations and MWBE monitoring. No votes or final decisions are expected; items are for discussion and information only.
- End-of-year DIBELS reading assessment data presented by Chief Academic Officer Mrs. Anne Botticelli
- Update on WOZ Ed program by Specialty Programs Officer Mrs. Parette Walker
- Community-based organizations evaluation and MWBE monitoring by Chief of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and other officials
- Opening remarks by committee chairs Vice-President Lawrence Scott and Theresa Schuta
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District's Finance & Operations and Executive Affairs committees hold work sessions to discuss the Four-Year Plan/ARP-ESSER Update, BPS Commissary Update, and a system for superintendent evaluations. No votes are scheduled; items are for discussion and information.
- Four-Year Plan/ARP-ESSER Update presented by CFO James Barnes
- BPS Commissary Update presented by COO David Hills
- SuperEval System for Superintendent Evaluations presented by VP Bob Hartz
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo Board of Education will consider a resolution to change school bell times and approve a consent agenda with multiple special education consultant contracts and personnel changes. Other items include a $91,687.50 textbook purchase, travel for a math tournament, and a student representative update. Public comments will be heard.
- Resolution to change school bell times (up for board approval)
- Contract with Associated Physical and Occupational Therapists (APOT) for OT ($5,500,000) and PT ($1,900,000) services
- Purchase of 'Becoming a Master Student' instructional books from Cengage for $91,687.50
- 1:1 Skilled Nursing contracts: Melissa Davis/Ayanna Turner ($63,500) and Supplemental Healthcare ($624,431)
- Renewal of Kinney Management Systems LLC contract for $92,000
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District's committee work sessions will discuss the 2023-2024 bell schedule overview and instructional/support staffing updates for summer and fall. These are discussion and information items; no final decisions are scheduled.
- Educational Support: Equitably Protecting Instruction – 2023-2024 District Bell Schedule Overview (discussion/information)
- Student Achievement: Instructional/Support Staffing Update for summer and fall (discussion/information)
- Meeting includes routine opening items (call to order, pledge, agenda approval)
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District's committee work sessions will discuss the proposed 2023-2024 District Budget, with a PowerPoint presentation from the Chief Financial Officer. The Executive Affairs committee yields time for board review, and the Finance & Operations committee leads the discussion. No votes are scheduled; the session is for information and discussion.
- Discussion of the proposed 2023-2024 District Budget
- PowerPoint presentation by Chief Financial Officer James Barnes
- Finance & Operations committee chair Paulette Woods presiding
- Executive Affairs chair Kathy Evans-Brown yields time for budget review
- Agenda includes opening remarks and call to order
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board holds a special meeting to consider and take action on two legal settlements and a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the Buffalo Teachers Federation. Items include discussion of the settlements and review of the proposed contract.
- Consideration of two legal settlements (no details specified in agenda)
- Tentative collective bargaining agreement with Buffalo Teachers Federation (attached presentations and proposed contract PDFs)
- Special meeting held April 21, 2023 at 3:00 PM at 801 City Hall
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The board will act on a consent agenda including personnel changes and multiple contracts. Key items include a $147,000 five-year agreement with Catholic Charities for adult education space, a $91,500 contract for community school registration software, and $80,781 in furniture for non-public schools. The board will also consider professional development travel for principals and a $107,650 musical theater equipment purchase.
- Five-year, $147,000 service and building use agreement with Catholic Charities at 228 Albany Street
- $91,500 contract with Grouptrail for community school registration software
- $80,781 for classroom furniture for non-public schools under Title I
- $86,596 tuition for Middle Early College High School seniors at SUNY Erie
- $107,650 for lighting and audio equipment for Musical Theater Initiative in 21 schools
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo School Board's four committees will meet in work sessions to discuss the draft 2023-24 budget, a charter schools monitoring report, security and safety planning for spring/summer 2023, and summer extended learning data. No votes are scheduled; these are informational briefings.
- Finance & Operations: 23-24 draft budget overview presented by CFO James Barnes
- Executive Affairs: Charter schools monitoring report by General Counsel Nathaniel Kuzma and consultant Constance Moss
- Educational Support: Security and safety planning for spring/summer 2023 by Chief of Security Barbara Lark
- Student Achievement: Summer extended learning data and planning by Chief Academic Officer Anne Botticelli
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will discuss and vote on a proposed amendment to the 22-23 district calendar, along with several contracts and personnel changes. The superintendent will provide an update on Buffalo Teachers Federation negotiations. Public speakers will be heard.
- Proposed amendment to 2022-23 district calendar
- BTF negotiations update
- Middle Early College High School enrichment program contract for $80,000
- McKinney-Vento instructional supplies contract for $58,483.72
- Chemistry lab upgrades at School #366 / #42 for $98,010
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District held committee work sessions discussing student support data, DIBELS reading assessment results, ARP/ESSER federal funding status, the budget process, capital planning, and negotiations. No votes or formal decisions are scheduled; the sessions are for discussion and information only.
- Student Support Data presentation by Dr. Sharon Brown and Darlene Jesonowski
- DIBELS Data Update presented by Anne Botticelli
- ARP/ESSER Update from CFO James Barnes
- Budget Process Status discussion
- Capital Budget Planning presentation by David Hills and James Barnes
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board holds a regular business meeting to discuss a transportation update, approve prior meeting minutes, and vote on multiple action items. Key decisions include approving personnel changes, consultant contracts, school BEDS code alignment, IB exam fees, and maintenance contracts.
- Consultant contract with Just Buffalo Literacy Center for $30,400
- Consultant contract with Arts for Learning (formerly Young Audiences) for $77,200
- Alignment of BPS BEDS codes for schools #48, 59, 90, 196, 197 involving merges and reconfigurations
- Supplemental elevator maintenance contract with Elevator Maintenance of Buffalo for $180,000
- Approval of International Baccalaureate examination fees for $61,918
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will hold a special meeting to consider and take action on the Fact-Finder's Report and Recommendations regarding negotiations with the Buffalo Teachers Federation. The agenda also includes a presentation on immediate financial benefits for teachers and a resolution supporting the superintendent and district in the negotiations.
- Consideration of Fact-Finder's Report and Recommendations on Buffalo Teachers Federation negotiations
- Presentation on immediate financial benefits to teachers
- Board resolution supporting superintendent and district in negotiations with the Buffalo Teachers Federation
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District's committee work sessions on February 8, 2023, will feature discussions on the Say Yes Summer Camp results and an overview of Kids Escaping Drugs. No formal decisions or votes are scheduled; the agenda consists of informational and discussion items only.
- Say Yes Summer Camp results presentation by David Rust and Dan Cross-Violan
- Kids Escaping Drugs overview by Jodie Altman and Ashley Gedra
- Opening remarks from committee chairs and the superintendent
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
This is a committee work session of the Buffalo City School District Board of Education. The Finance & Operations committee will receive an update on ARP/ESSER federal funds, budget process status, quarterly report, and extra-activity payroll. The Executive Affairs committee will discuss proposals for a temporary board committee and an ad hoc staff committee on special education.
- ARP/ESSER update presented by Acting CFO James Barnes
- Budget process status report
- Quarterly financial report information
- Extra-activity payroll process review
- Proposals for temporary board committee and ad hoc staff committee on special education
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo School Board will consider a consent agenda with several action items including personnel changes and multiple contracts. Notable purchases include $278,000 for interactive flat panels at PS 99, $175,449.50 for trash can liners, and $41,085 for cloud hosting of food service software. A resolution for Dr. George E. Blackman School #54 is also up for discussion.
- Approval of instructional, civil service, administrative, and exempt personnel changes
- $278,000 purchase of interactive flat panels for classrooms at PS 99 (Ronco)
- $175,449.50 contract for trash can liners (United Sales USA Corp)
- $41,085 cloud hosting of Primero Edge food service software (Cybersoft Technologies)
- $19,855.68 Teacher Center professional development course catalog for Jan-Mar 2023
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District committee work sessions will hear updates on parent engagement opportunities from the Office of Parent and Family Engagement, and discuss work-based learning options and partnerships from Career & Technical Education. No votes are scheduled; these are information and discussion items.
- Parent Engagement Opportunities Update presentation by Dr. Ramona Reynolds, Amy Casillas-Osorio, and Jennifer Rich
- Work-Based Learning Options/Partnerships presentation by Robert Harris, Director of Career & Technical Education
- Opening remarks by Educational Support chair Theresa Schuta and Student Achievement chair Lawrence Scott
- Superintendent Dr. Tonja M. Williams to provide remarks
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District committee work sessions will hold discussions on the overview of BPS safety and security systems and an update on ARP-ESSER (federal pandemic relief) funding. No votes are scheduled; these are information and discussion items only.
- Overview of BPS safety and security systems presented by Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Security
- ARP-ESSER (American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) update from Chief Financial Officer
ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
This is a routine annual organizational meeting where the Buffalo City School District board will swear in members and nominate and elect officers including President, Vice President of Executive Affairs, and Vice President of Student Achievement. No substantive policy or financial decisions are on the agenda.
- Swearing in of board members
- Nominations for the office of President
- Nominations for the office of Vice President of Executive Affairs
- Nominations for the office of Vice President of Student Achievement