BPS - Work Session 10-7-26

Buffalo Public Schools held a work session on October 7, 2026, covering the FY2025–26 audit, a four-year financial plan, and the superintendent’s school-reconfiguration proposal. Finance staff reported audited revenue of about $1.123 billion, expenditures of about $1.176 billion, and a $53.3 million deficit, leaving roughly $333.9 million in general-fund balance. External auditors Lumsden & McCormack reported no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies; they also noted improvements in grant accounting and capital-project bank reconciliations. The four-year plan incorporates an estimated $24 million in annual operating-cost reductions from the proposed school changes and warns that continued deficits could substantially deplete reserves. The board did not vote on the financial plan or school proposal during this work session; the proposal was presented for review and community feedback, with per-school savings analysis requested.

Procurement and facilities discussions included ongoing capital projects—about $33 million in projects nearing completion and a further $56 million in projects referenced as approved—and the future commissary lease, whose added costs are being covered in part by assigned reserves. Board members questioned the district’s fleet-vehicle leasing and management: the superintendent said 30 vehicles had been purchased, spending was $100,000 below the approved amount, and there were no current plans for additional leases; the board requested further information about vehicle selection and costs. Members also asked how vendor contracts might be affected by school changes; staff estimated roughly 60% were multiyear and 40% single-year, without identifying contract actions. The school proposal would close, merge, or repurpose buildings and shift programs and resources; no contract awards, bids, or purchasing approvals were made.