Buffalo City School District public meetings in 2024
35 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will hold its regular business meeting on December 18, 2024. Actions include approving multiple consent agenda items such as contracts, personnel changes, and professional development programs. The board will also hear a presentation on the superintendent's goals and receive public comments.
- Win Life Foundation contract for student supplemental programs totaling $106,000
- International Baccalaureate exam registration fees for May 2025 at City Honors School, $62,484
- American School Counselor Association long-term professional development contract for $42,242
- AquaSafe Training Solutions emergency procedure training and certification contract for $20,400
- Personnel changes: instructional, civil service, and administrative staff approvals
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District committee holds a work session to discuss student outcome data, a modified sports update, and a P-Tech grant overview. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the session focuses on presentations and discussion.
- Student Outcome Data Per Monitoring Calendar presentation
- Modified Sports Update from Director of Athletics
- P-Tech Grant and Program Overview from CTE Director
- Opening remarks from committee chairs and superintendent
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District Committee will hold work sessions on December 4, 2024, with presentations and discussions on financial updates and the 2025-2030 Goals & Guardrails. No votes are scheduled; all items are for information or discussion.
- Financial updates: Financial Report, Commissary Update, Capital Budget Financing Update
- Discussion of 2025-2030 Goals & Guardrails
- Opening remarks by committee chairpersons and superintendent
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District board will act on a consent agenda including multiple contracts and personnel changes. Key items include a $171,345 PowerSchool learning management system contract, a $30,000 Umoja culturally responsive teaching series, and a $117,500 SUNY Erie Smart Scholars program. The board will also approve personnel changes and a professional learning plan.
- $171,345 PowerSchool Professional Development Learning Management System contract
- $30,000 Umoja Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Teaching Professional Development Series
- $117,500 SUNY Erie Smart Scholars program for school #304
- $59,920 National SAM Innovation Project Conference
- $36,530 CLRI Scholar Meals for Saturday Academy at McKinley HS
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District's committee work sessions will include a presentation on high school enrollment and a discussion of the 2025-2030 Goals & Guardrails. The Finance & Operations committee will discuss the status of the Comissary lease. No votes or official actions are scheduled; this is a discussion-only work session.
- High School Enrollment update presentation by Dr. Sharon Brown
- 2025-2030 Goals & Guardrails discussion with SOFG Coach Leslie Grant
- Comissary Lease Status update by Superintendent Dr. Tonja M. Williams Knight
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District Board holds committee work sessions to discuss student achievement and executive affairs. Items include an interim goal on Grade 6 beginning-of-year math data for economically disadvantaged students and proposed 2025-2030 goals and guardrails. No votes are scheduled; these are information and discussion items.
- Interim Goal: Grade 6 BOY Economically Disadvantaged Math Data — discussion and information
- 2025-2030 Goals & Guardrails — discussion and information
- Presentation by Chief Academic Officer Anne Botticelli on numeracy data
- Presentation by Student Outcomes-Focused Governance Coach Leslie Grant on goals/guardrails
(CANCELLED) COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Committee Work Sessions scheduled for October 9, 2024, were cancelled. No items were decided or discussed.
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board holds a regular business meeting on Oct 9, 2024. Action items include approving a tentative labor agreement with the Transportation Aides of Buffalo (TAB), several consultant contracts (e.g., Pearson Q-Interactive software for $200,121.05, a teacher residency with SUNY Buffalo for $125,000), and personnel changes. The superintendent will present recommended district goals for 2025–2030.
- Approve tentative agreement between the district and the Transportation Aides of Buffalo union
- $200,121.05 contract with Pearson for Q-Interactive psychological testing software
- $125,000 teacher residency program with SUNY Buffalo for 2024-25
- $42,300 contract with Student Leadership Network for PS #131 and PS #357
- Presentation of recommended BPS Goals and Rationale for 2025–2030
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The board is conducting work sessions to discuss governance training and student support. The meeting includes a presentation on anti-bullying interventions.
- Discussion on Effective Governance Training with CGCS
- Annual update and presentation on Anti-Bullying Interventions
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will approve contracts for special education record digitization, Middle Early College High School partnerships with SUNY Buffalo State and Erie, and a restorative justice program. The meeting also includes approval of the Emergency Response Plan and consent agenda items.
- Digitization of Special Education Records: $712,059.70
- Middle Early College High School SUNY Buffalo State Contract: $502,427.00
- Middle Early College High School SUNY Erie Contract: $400,000.00
- Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition Contract: $43,075.00
- Teacher Center October-November 2024 Course Catalogue: $20,728.08
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District Board holds committee work sessions with presentations and discussions on commissary financial updates and effective governance training, but no formal votes are scheduled.
- Commissary follow-up presentation by CFO James Barnes with updated finance documents
- Effective Governance Training discussion with SOFG Coach Leslie Grant and Vice-President Dr. Kathy Evans-Brown
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The board is conducting committee work sessions focused on educational support and executive affairs. The meeting includes a presentation on effective governance training.
- Effective Governance Training with CGCS presentation by Leslie Grant
- Review of Superintendent's Goals 9-4-24
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will consider approving fund-number corrections for community school contracts totaling $2,602,238.90, hear a presentation on the 2025–2028 four-year plan, and vote on personnel changes and consultant contracts including literacy tutoring and enrichment programs.
- Correction to Community Schools CBO contracts ($968,000)
- Correction to Partnership Schools CBO contracts ($1,634,238.90)
- Middle Early College Summer Enrichment Program ($12,000)
- Literacy tutoring contract with Literacy NY Buffalo-Niagara ($54,296)
- West Ed consultant contract ($150,004)
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District board will act on personnel changes (instructional, civil service, administrative, exempt) and approve several consultant contracts, including a $360,000 teacher residency program with three universities, a $102,500 contract with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and a $100,000 community school partnership with Erie County Restorative Justice. The board will also hear a DIBELS and iReady update from the superintendent and consider a resolution for payment to the Buffalo Police Department.
- Personnel changes in instructional, civil service, administrative, and exempt categories (no fiscal impact)
- Teacher Residency program with UB, Canisius, and Niagara Universities ($360,000)
- Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra concerts for 2024-2025 ($102,500)
- Community school partnership with Erie County Restorative Justice ($100,000)
- Resolution for payment to Buffalo Police Department (amount not specified)
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo School Board will vote on multiple consent agenda items, including approval of minutes, personnel changes, and consultant contracts. Notable contracts include a $1,634,238.90 partnership with community-based organizations for Partnership Schools and a $968,000 contract for Community Schools CBOs. The board will also consider a $90,000 leadership coaching contract and a $54,042.98 Buffalo Zoo programming contract.
- Approve $1,634,238.90 in Partnership Schools CBO contracts (various vendors)
- Approve $968,000 for Community Schools CBOs (Belle Center, Best Self, Matt Urban, Northwest)
- Approve $90,000 leadership coaching contract with Y.M. Ragan Consulting for PS #37, #92, #97
- Approve $54,042.98 Buffalo Zoo programming for PS #90
- Approve personnel changes (instructional, civil service, administrative, exempt)
Buffalo Creek Academy and Buffalo Commons Charter Revision
The board will receive presentations regarding charter revisions for Buffalo Commons and Buffalo Creek Academy. The meeting focuses on the notice of charter revision for these two institutions.
- Presentation on Buffalo Commons Charter School
- Presentation on Buffalo Creek Academy
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The board is conducting work sessions across four committees to discuss student outcomes, superintendent evaluation, and health data. These sessions are for discussion and information rather than final decision-making.
- Discussion on Student Outcomes-Focused Governance with consultant Leslie Grant
- SuperEval Refresher presentation by consultant Bob Hartz
- Review of Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) results
- Discussion on athletics academic eligibility requirements
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board is reviewing renewal processes for two charter schools. The meeting includes a data presentation and resolutions regarding Enterprise Charter School and Westminster Community Charter School.
- Enterprise Charter School renewal resolution
- Westminster Community Charter School renewal resolution
- Presentation of data for BPS Charter Renewals
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Board is reviewing several personnel changes and consultant contracts for special education and school programming. A primary focus is the approval of a payroll and staffing services contract for non-public schools. The board will also discuss professional development for principals through Harvard University.
- Payroll and staffing services for non-public schools via 22nd Century Technologies for $2,656,000.00
- Buffalo Museum of Science programming for PS #59 and PS #90 for $110,000.00
- Kinney Management Systems LLC contract renewal for $92,000.00
- Professional development for principals via Harvard School of Education totaling $109,938.75
- VIA Visually Impaired Advancement orientation and mobility services for $45,000.00
Elmwood Village Charter School Days Park
The Buffalo City School District is holding a meeting for a presentation and public hearing. The session focuses on the renewal of the Elmwood Village Charter School Days Park.
- Public hearing regarding Elmwood Village Charter School Days Park renewal
Elmwood Village Charter School Days Park
The Buffalo City School District is holding a public hearing regarding the renewal of the Elmwood Village Charter School Days Park. The meeting consists of a presentation on this subject.
- Public hearing for Elmwood Village CS DP Renewal
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District Committee Work Sessions will hold informational discussions on BPS volunteer policies, a commissary update, and a special education study. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the items are presented for discussion and information.
- Discussion of BPS Volunteers Policy, Regulation, and Handbook
- Commissary update presentation by Chief Operating Officer
- BPS Special Education CGCS Study review
BRICK Buffalo Academy Charter School
The BRICK Buffalo Academy Charter School has issued a first notice regarding a charter revision. The meeting is scheduled for May 1, 2024, at 801 City Hall.
- First Notice of Charter Revision
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Finance & Operations Committee will discuss the proposed 2024-2025 district budget, while the Executive Affairs Committee will hold an effective governance training session with the Council of Great City Schools. No votes or decisions are scheduled; these are work sessions only.
- Discussion of the 2024-2025 District Budget by Finance & Operations
- Effective Governance Training with CGCS by Executive Affairs
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board holds its regular business meeting on April 17, 2024, to act on a consent agenda that includes several large contracts, personnel changes, and approvals for student travel. Key items include a $9.1 million supplemental health care contract, a $1.5 million Say Yes Summer Camp program, and a $1.4 million exploratory pre-K pilot. The board will also hear presentations on World Hijab Day and culturally responsive programming.
- $9,120,617.10 contract award for supplemental health care nursing services
- $1,500,000 approval for Say Yes Summer Camp 2024
- $1,400,000 exploratory pilot for 3-year-old Pre-K in community schools
- $124,440 for Hilbert College dual credit program
- $112,200 in construction consulting services contract extensions
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District committee will hold work sessions on April 10, 2024, covering discussion items including the 2024-2025 district budget, a naming proposal for School #82, and effective governance training. No votes or decisions are scheduled; all items are for discussion and information only.
- Discussion of 2024-2025 district budget presented by CFO James Barnes
- Proposed naming of School #82, presented by Ronald Peoples and principal Dr. Tracie-Michele A. Lewis
- Effective governance training with the Council of Great City Schools
- Continued budget discussion during the Student Achievement committee
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School Board will vote on a consent agenda including contracts, personnel changes, and professional development. Key action items include awarding $2,135,000 for Universal Prekindergarten community-based programs and approving multiple health services contracts totaling over $1.2 million. The meeting also includes an executive session at 4 PM, public comments, and approval of minutes from February 14.
- $2,135,000 for Universal Prekindergarten Community Based Organizations for 2024-2025
- $626,400 contract for Supplemental Health Care Nurse Practitioner services
- $492,181 for school nursing services at School #84
- $88,835 for Medical Director Consultant from Supplemental Healthcare
- $12,450 for Harvard School of Education Leadership Development for Principals
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District Board holds a committee work session with procedural items and a presentation on mid-year student achievement data. No votes or decisions are scheduled.
- Presentation of Mid-Year Student Achievement Data by Chief Academic Officer Mrs. Anne Botticelli
- Opening remarks by Vice-President Lawrence Scott and Superintendent Dr. Tonja M. Williams
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The board is holding committee work sessions to review executive affairs and finance operations. The meeting includes a presentation on school-based budgets and an update for the 2024-2025 budget year.
- Board governance training with CGCS and Leslie Grant
- School Based Budgets and 2024-2025 Budget Update presentation by CFO James Barnes
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo City School District Board will hold a regular business meeting on February 14, 2024, at Buffalo City Hall. The agenda includes action on a resolution to participate in social media litigation, a consent agenda, and several personnel changes. The board will also consider consultant contracts, professional development courses, and awards for field trip nursing, SUNY Erie tuition, and helmet reconditioning.
- Resolution on participation in social media litigation
- Consultant contract with Umoja Education for culturally responsive teaching ($50,000)
- Contract with Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition for student support ($32,340)
- Riddell helmet and shoulder pad reconditioning contract ($85,607.36)
- Federal E-rate program services for 2024-2025 school year
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District committees hold work sessions on Feb 7, 2024, with discussions and presentations on the 2024-2025 budget process, charter school hearing and monitoring updates, and a professional development session. No votes or decisions are scheduled.
- Discussion of the 2024-2025 Budget Process by CFO James Barnes
- Charter School Hearing presented by the Office of Shared Accountability
- Charter School Monitoring Updates presented by consultant Dr. Constance Moss
- Professional Development Session with the Council for Great City Schools
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Buffalo Board of Education will consider a consent agenda including multiple contracts and expenditures. Key items include a $453,141 purchase for the NY Food for NY Families Grant, a $72,000 addendum for Voyager Sopris Learning math professional development, and a $63,665 payment for City Honors IB exams. The board will also vote on personnel changes and approve prior meeting minutes.
- $453,141 award to multiple vendors for NY Food for NY Families Grant 2024
- $72,000 addendum to Voyager Sopris Learning Inc. for NUMBERS math professional development
- $63,665 payment for International Baccalaureate exams at City Honors High School
- $200,000 additional funding to Stohl Environmental for hazardous material testing
- $41,500 contract for facilities usage software (FMX)
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
This is a Buffalo City School District committee work session with no voting items. Presentations and discussions are scheduled on student achievement, adult education, and educational support, including a professional development session with the Council for Great City Schools.
- Adult Education Update presentation with attached PDF
- Professional Development Session with the Council for Great City Schools
- Student Achievement opening remarks by Vice-President Scott and Superintendent Williams
- Educational Support opening remarks by Chairperson Schuta and Superintendent Williams
COMMITTEE WORK SESSIONS
The Buffalo City School District Committee Work Sessions will focus on preparing the 2024-2025 district budget. The Finance & Operations committee is scheduled to discuss the budget process as a discussion and information item. No votes or decisions are expected at this work session.
- Discussion of the 2024-2025 district budget process under Finance & Operations
ANNUAL REORGANIZATION
This is the annual reorganization meeting of the Buffalo City School District Board. The agenda is entirely procedural: the board will nominate and approve officers, swear them in, and adjourn. No substantive policy or financial decisions are listed.
- Nomination and approval of board officers
- Swearing in of newly elected officers