BPS - Board Meeting 8/19/2026

The Buffalo Public Schools Board of Education held a business meeting on August 19, 2026, which included extensive public commentary primarily focused on the future of Leonardo da Vinci High School and concerns about school facilities, student resources, and transparency regarding capital projects. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the proposed relocation of Da Vinci High School to Buffalo State University, with speakers highlighting the need for adequate facilities such as gyms, libraries, and auditoriums to support student success. The board also discussed the approval of a major contract with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) for student transportation services. The contract, covering five years and valued at approximately $15 million, was initially presented late, prompting board members to request more time for review and a special meeting to discuss details. Interim Superintendent Prophet Bullock and CFO/COO Jim Barnes provided explanations about the contract's financial terms, including an 87% state reimbursement and additional services included beyond standard public transit passes. The board ultimately agreed to pull the NFTA contract from the current agenda to allow for further review. Additionally, the board passed a resolution honoring graduating seniors enlisting in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an executive summary of an investigation into allegations against a board member, which found no substantiated evidence of misconduct. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of recent bereavements in the school community.