BPS - Board Meeting 5-20-26

The Buffalo Public Schools Board of Education held a meeting on May 20, 2026, focusing extensively on budget discussions, program funding, and student disciplinary policies. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments addressing concerns about funding cuts to the Office of Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Initiatives (CLRI) and the Native American Resource Program (NARP), with speakers urging restoration of these programs due to their importance in supporting diverse student populations. The board approved the 2026-27 General Fund Budget, which included reductions in CLRI staffing despite opposition from board members and community advocates. Additionally, the board passed resolutions to establish and name a new alternative education school, the Buffalo Promise Academy, aimed at supporting students with chronic absenteeism and other challenges. Discussions also covered disciplinary disproportionality data, plans for restorative practices, and efforts to recruit more diverse teaching staff. Procurement-related actions included approval of contracts for occupational and physical therapy services, summer school transportation via NFTA, and purchases such as furniture for language assessment centers and new math textbooks. Motions were passed to settle legal proceedings and to authorize litigation related to construction work at Bennett High School. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments and motions to adjourn.